North Wales - Lovespoons Tradition

A popular souvenir from Wales are "lovespoons", hand-carved spoons made of wood, which since the 17th C have been traditionally given to the beloved as a sign of love and fidelity. These engagement gifts, which are elaborately decorated with initials, hearts (= "my heart is yours"), anchors (= "lasting power of love"), Celtic crosses (= "wedding"), keys (= "my house belongs to you"), lucky horseshoes and other symbols, are fashioned from a single piece of wood - sycamore, oak, beech or rowan. Even today these spoons are still a popular present for family occasions, weddings and other occasions, being a mark of affection.