Welsh Love Spoons a Traditional Love Token
Enduring Symbol of Love and Affection From Wales
Dec 4, 2008
Although love spoons started as ordinary spoons for eating cawl or broth but over time young men would work intricate carvings into the spoon’s handle. Eventually many of the elaborate carvings assumed symbols of love like hearts and intertwined knots or chains.
Before Radio and TV
In the days before mass literacy, reading, radio, cinema, TV and computers young men had hours of free time on their hands and many would spend those evening hours carving the spoons in the hope that it would be accepted as a token of love when presented to the object of his affection.
Love Spoons a Celtic Tradition
Carving of love spoons was not confined to Wales but was common in much of Europe especially in areas with large Celtic populations. But what makes the Welsh love spoon different is the diversity and finesse of the carvings for nowhere else has such a variety of symbolism. But the earliest examples were not at all elaborate perhaps just carved initials with a pierced top to hand the spoon on the wall. But as time progressed and skills improved the designs became more intricate.
Love Spoon Symbols
The spoons are carved from one piece of wood which traditionally was sycamore but ash, yew and wood from fruit trees like apple or pear were used too. Symbolism played a great part in the design of love spoons for example a heart is a obvious symbol of love, horse shoe for good luck, a lock generally symbolised security, a chain expressed either the desire to remain forever or to indicate the desired number of children.
A Celtic knot meant eternal love, and a caged ball or balls again the number of children the couple would have or a love that was held safely in place. A dragon symbolised protection or of course the country of Wales. Other common symbols were love birds, a cross, diamond and a twisted stem that indicated togetherness.
Love spoons were important in early Welsh courtship because until the beginning of the 19th century engagements and marriages were very uncommon, most couples would simply co-habit living as common law man and wife. Rural Welsh life was pretty harsh and people poor many living a subsistence life so tokens of love made from precious metals and gems could not be afforded.
Wedding Photographs of Their Time
If the love spoon was accepted and the heart of the suitor was won their love spoon would be displayed at pride of place on a wall much like wedding photographs may be put on show today.
Perfect Gift for St Valentine's Day
These days many visitors to Wales buy love spoons as a souvenir, they are also given on special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, births, Christenings or as a house warming gift. Some more romantic souls may even present their love with one on St Valentine’s Day.
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