Welsh Lovespoons for Valentine’s Day
One of Wales’ most popular tourist souvenirs is the lovespoon. Totally unique to Wales, the tradition of giving a lovespoon as a romantic gesture dates back many centuries, although the romantic aspects of the lovespoon have been somewhat diluted in recent years. They’re now bought as gifts for all sorts of occasions and not just on the most romantic day of all - Valentine’s Day.
Carved from one single piece of wood, the lovespoon has a wealth of romantic symbolism and meaning. The earliest known example dates back to the mid-1600’s and is kept at The Museum of Welsh Life in Cardiff. However, it’s thought the tradition dates back long before that. The carving of lovespoons on cold and dark winters nights in Wales was a popular pastime.
For each part of the spoon there’s a link to a romantic meaning. Within the intricate carvings were many symbols through which a message of love could be passed. These are the symbols and their 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.
- 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.
- Triple spoons: Family.
- Vine: Love grows.
- Wheel: Supporting a loved one.
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