spoons

The Welsh Tradition of giving a carved wooden spoon as a token of love and affection
dates as far back as the seventeenth century.
Love Spoons are traditionally carved from a single piece of wood and consist of symbols with specific meanings, but often a personal message from the giver to
the intended recipient is also included in the final design.
It is believed the spoons were an early form of engagement ring
with the acceptance of the spoon being the agreement to the proposed marriage.

Some of the symbols used in the spoons are:

Heart =Love
Two Hearts = Love Returned
HorseShoe=Good Luck
Bell = Marriage
Wheel = Hard Work
Cross = Faith
Lovebirds=Love
Leaves/Vines = Love Grows
Lock & Key = Safe Home
Key & Keyhole= Heart & House are yours
Dragon= Protection or Symbol of Wales
Daffodil or Feathers = Wales
Celtic Animals= Birds and Seahorses
Ball= Number of Children
Chain= Together Forever
Flowers= Affection
Heart Shaped bowl= Full & Bountiful life
Double Bowl= Togetherness
Three Pronged Spoon= Family
Twisted Stem= Two Becoming One
Anchor= Desire to Settle Down
Knot= Together Forever