Wales is famous for its fine examples of the love spoon, a decoratively carved wooden spoon, usually made from limewood, sycamore, or walnut. Traditionally, they were given as a token of love to a young lady from a hopeful suitor. 

As well as being a gesture of generosity and affection, the spoons had symbols carved into the handles, which carried a special meaning. For example, they were often whittled by sailors to keep them occupied on long journeys, and they would carve anchors into the handle of the spoon. 

This not only represented the man’s occupation, but was a symbol of stability and putting down roots, suggesting marriage and home. Other popular symbols include angels, hearts, flowers, and horseshoes. The earliest example of a Welsh love spoon is thought to be from 1667, and it can be seen in the St Fagan’s National History Museum near Cardiff.

However, examples of earlier love spoons have been found throughout Europe, so it is not an exclusively Welsh tradition.  There is a German love spoon dating from 1664, and they have also been found in Eastern Europe, Brittany, and Scandinavia.

In Norway, there was an old custom for newly married couples to eat from intricately carved wooden spoons, which were linked at the handle. This was meant to symbolise the strength of their union in marriage. The linked spoons were carved from a single piece of wood, which is difficult to do, and demonstrates the skill of the carver. 

It was said that in Wales, the quality of the craftsmanship demonstrated in the love spoon was used as a way of judging whether the young man would make a good match for his sweetheart! If the girl’s father deemed the love spoon to be of a good enough standard, he consented to the marriage.