The tradition of giving a lovespoon as a romantic gesture to your intended dates back many centuries.
Carved from one single piece of wood, the lovespoon has a wealth of romantic symbolism and meaning.
The earliest known example dates back to 1677 and is kept at The Museum of Welsh Life in Cardiff. The tradition probably dates back long before that. The carving of lovespoons on cold and dark winters nights in Wales was a popular pastime.
There's a romantic meaning to each part of the spoon. Wrapped up in the intricate carvings were many symbols through which a message of love and intentions could be passed. These are the symbols and their meanings:
Symbol
Meanings
Anchor
Security, steadfastness, home to stay and the desire to settle down.
Ball in cage
Love held safe, number of children or years together.
Barley sugar twist
Developed from sailors carving rope.
Bell
Weddings and anniversaries.
Birds
Birds of Love.
Chain links
Years together, number of children and linking of lives.
Comma shapes
Soul signs.
Cross
Faith and marriage.
Daffodil
The flower of Wales and a symbol of affection.
Diamond
Wealth and good fortune.
Double spoon
Togetherness.
Dragon
Traditional symbol of Wales and protection.
Flowers
Affection.
Grapes
Love grows.
Harp
Traditional Welsh symbol.
Heart
My heart is yours and true love.
Hearts
We both feel the same about each other.
Heart-shaped bowl
Full and bountiful life.
Horseshoe
Good luck and happiness.
Key and keyhole
Home together, my house is yours and security.
Knot
Everlasting and together forever.
Leaves
Love grows.
Ring
Together forever.
Stork and baby
New baby.
Vine
Love grows.
Wheel
Supporting a loved one.
Double spoons
The couple together forever.
Triple spoons
Family.
After falling out of popularity in the second half of the 19th century, lovespoons have become one of Wales' most popular and enduring tourist souvenirs because they're unique to Wales. The romantic aspects of the lovespoon have been somewhat diluted. They're now bought as gifts for all sorts of occasions.
