It’s fast approaching St Valentine’s Day, and you might be thinking about buying a gift for your loved one to celebrate the occasion. If you want something a little different to the usual chocolates or flowers, you might find the answer in a Welsh love spoon. These are beautifully handcrafted wooden items that also carry the weight of culture and tradition.

The art of carving love spoons has existed in Wales since the early 17th century, if not before. They were originally carved by ordinary working men such as sailors, and offered as a token of affection to a romantic interest. The carver often demonstrated great skill, with highly intricate designs carved into the handle of the spoon.

Over time, these designs acquired symbolic meanings, and that tradition is continued in the craft today. Some people even acquire a collection of love spoons to mark significant events in their lives, such as births, marriages, anniversaries, or the arrival of a newborn. 

Of course, one enduring theme that links all of the symbols is love in all its forms. This makes them an ideal present to mark St Valentine’s Day, the patron saint of many things including happy marriages. But how do you choose the most apt symbol to celebrate your own particular relationship? Here are some insights into the individual symbols.

Early stages: Hearts and flowers

In the early stages of a relationship, you may wish to choose a timeless and universal symbol of love and affection, such as a heart, a flower, or a lovebird. These can express your affection without seeming too heavy or overwhelming for the green early shoots of your romantic blossoming. 

Going steady: Keys and locks, Celtic knotwork

If your relationship has evolved into a steadier and deeper attachment, you may wish to consider symbols such as a twisted stem or Celtic knotwork, which symbolise togetherness and union, and the intertwining of two lives. An angel is another classic ensuring symbol of love and protection.

If you have decided to set up home together, a key and lock suggests security and the maturing of a relationship. It can also tell your partner that they have the key to your heart. An anchor can be interpreted as a wish to settle down and make a sincere commitment to your other half.

The long term: Milestone symbols

If your relationship has reached a milestone where you are thinking about marriage or a partnership, you may wish to consider traditional symbols such as a horseshoe to represent God’s favour, or a bell to represent a wedding and joyous music. 

If children may be on the horizon, a ball in a cage, which represents love held safe and the number of children you may have, could be appropriate. A heart-shaped bowl represents a full and happy life together, while a double bowl symbolises a bountiful life of togetherness. 

Long-term relationships could also be celebrated with chain links and Celtic knotwork, which is endless and therefore considered to be symbolic of the eternal and everlasting.