Welsh
History
of
the
Lovespoon
O'R GORFFENNOL I'R DYFODOL
The Welsh Lovespoon is a tradition that dates back centuries. The earliest dated Lovespoon (1667) is exhibited in the Welsh Folk Museum in Cardiff.
Originally the carved spoon was a love token; young men would whittle a spoon as a sign of their love and affection, and hope that it would be accepted as a confirmation of courtship or even betrothal. The spoon was crafted from a single piece of wood accompanying numerous symbols that held different meanings such as heart, diamond, chain links, cross, anchor.
Nowadays, Lovespoons are given as memorable gifts at weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, christening, or even bought purely as an extraordinary work of art.
An unending, everlasting, eternal love.
The safety of love encased and protected. Each ball can also represent children.
Fruitfulness and growth within love.
Pure love.
A symbol of loyalty, faithfulness and pledged love. Each link can also represent children.
A symbol of protection and strength. The heraldic emblem of Wales.