What do the symbols on a Welsh love spoon mean?

Symbols. The lovespoon was given to a young woman by her suitor. Certain symbols came to have specific meanings: a horseshoe for luck, a cross for faith, bells for marriage, hearts for love, a wheel supporting a loved one and a lock for security, among others. Caged balls indicated the number of children hoped for.

What do you do with a Welsh love spoon?

Lovespoons can be used to record various special occasions, including engagements, anniversaries, weddings and births. Today our lovespoons are also used as an acknowledgement of friendship as well as being given to a loved one. Often our lovespoons are even used as a reminder of a special time spent visiting Wales.

What does a bell mean on a love spoon?

BELL – Weddings, Anniversaries, Marriage. VINE – Love Grows. BALL – Love held safe or number of children. FLOWERS – Affection. DOUBLE SPOON – Togetherness.

What does a wooden spoon symbolize?

The wooden spoon has been used by parents, predominantly mothers, in some cultures as an implement used for corporal punishment. Lately it has become a symbol of nostalgia as its actual use has become culturally unacceptable.

What would it mean if a woman in Wales received a spoon with a key and three beads carved on it?

“It’s a Welsh tradition, which dates back to the 17th century,” he said. “Lovespoons were carved by young men, and offered to the young ladies that they were courting. And if accepted, they were then regarded as tokens of engagement, or betrothal.”

What is the history of Welsh love spoons?

The Welsh lovespoon dates back to the 17th century, the earliest example being dated 1667. We believe that sailors used to carve lovespoons, this is in part due to the amount of nautical symbols, including anchors, ships wheels and ships being carved into early designs.

Are love spoons Celtic?

Although mostly considered a Welsh tradition, love spoons have been produced throughout Europe, especially in other Celtic countries, such as Brittany where the Breton name for love spoons translates as “marriage spoons”.

How old is the oldest Welsh love spoon?

1667
The lovespoon tradition stems from the times when the ordinary people of Wales used wooden utensils to eat. The collection of lovespoons at the Museum includes some 200 spoons, most of which were carved during the 18th and 19th centuries. The oldest spoon housed at the Museum is dated 1667.

What is a love spoon for kids?

This is a tradition which dates back to the 16th century in Wales. Love-spoons are carved from one piece of wood and are decorated with symbols of love. Some symbols have special meanings. For example, a heart means love, a bell means marriage and a cage is a symbol for children.

Are love spoons Welsh?

Welsh love spoons are decoratively carved wooden spoons that are often presented as a gift of romantic intent. The giving and receiving of lovespoons between lovers, friends and family is a Welsh custom that dates back to the 17th century.

What was the purpose of the Welsh love spoon?

A love spoon is an ornately carved spoon traditionally made from a single piece of wood by young men, especially in Wales, as a love token for their sweethearts, to show their affection and intentions. ( Public Domain ) Top Image: A modern Welsh love spoon on rose petals.

What is the history of the love spoon?

The History of the Love Spoon Love Spoons are a historic form of art. The oldest surviving Welsh Love Spoon dates back to 1667; however the art form is known to have been practised in Wales earlier than this. Love spoons have deep symbolic meaning and were originally carved by men as a token of their affection for a romantic interest.

What does the wheel on a love spoon mean?

In previous cultures—such as that of the Celts—the wheel often symbolized eternity, as it is an unbreakable circle of time, love, etc. When viewed through this lens, the connection to the love spoon meaning of support seems evident.

What does a Celtic knot on a spoon mean?

Cutlery means that the person for whom the spoon is intended will be well provided for . Demonstrates a wish to be joined together. A Celtic Knot means a love that lasts forever Tells a girl that the he would like to see more of her.