Are love spoons Welsh?

Welsh love spoons are a historic art form that originated within Wales over 350 years ago.

Why is a love spoon a symbol of Wales?

The history of the Welsh love spoon According to Welsh folklore, these ornately carved spoons were traditionally made from a single piece of wood by young men as a love token for their sweethearts. to show his affection and intentions for his loved one. The love spoon originated from the “cawl” (soup) spoon.

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.

How old is the tradition of giving love spoons in Wales?

The earliest known dated lovespoon from Wales, displayed in the St Fagans National History Museum near Cardiff, is from 1667, although the tradition is believed to date back long before that. The earliest dated lovespoon worldwide originates from Germany, and is dated as 1664.

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 do Welsh love spoons look like?

Traditionally, a love spoon is carved from one piece of wood. The craftsman would take a log and split it in two, and would use one of the pieces to form the outline of the lovespoon. He would then work at the spoon in more detail, carving symbols such as a heart or horseshoe, before carving the spoon’s bowl.

Who made Welsh love spoons?

The Thomas Family
Welcome to The Lovespoon Workshop online, the home of genuine Welsh lovespoons that have been hand carved by The Thomas Family at The Lovespoon Workshop, near Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales since 1975. Continuing the 17th century Welsh lovespoon tradition in Wales today and sharing it with the wider world.

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 are wishing spoons used for?

Giving a silver teaspoon for a Baptism means wishing the new-born happiness and prosperity and throughout life.

What is a Welsh love spoon?

The custom of carving Welsh Love Spoons originated in the rural areas of Wales. As well as giving gifts of sweets and cakes, young men would carve an unique lovespoon for the object of their desire, with hearts and other symbols of love.

Which lovespoons can I give as an anniversary gift?

We even engrave names and dates on to many of the Lovespoons for free. The ‘Anniversary Love Spoon’ (012), and our new range of 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th Anniversary Spoons are especially suitable as Anniversary Gifts, but we also have many more for you to choose from.

What are the different types of anniversary spoons?

The ‘Anniversary Love Spoon’ (012), and our new range of 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th Anniversary Spoons are especially suitable as Anniversary Gifts, but we also have many more for you to choose from. View the spoons that are unique Wedding Anniversary Gifts below. Be sure to scroll through all of the pages to see all of the designs.

What is the origin of Love spoons?

The custom of giving love spoons as a token of affection first began in Wales in the 16th Century. They were given to a loved one as a courting gift (in much the same way as you would give someone flowers today). Each spoon is carved from one piece of wood, showing the skill of the expert carver.