Wood is the traditional gift to celebrate a fifth wedding anniversary. It symbolises the strength of the marriage, and the wisdom of the couple who have developed a greater understanding and appreciation of each other during this time. This is an achievement worth celebrating with a truly special and unique gift.
As well the enduring nature of the marriage, wood is a natural material which represents the ease and warmth of a familiar union. Trees have been honoured throughout history for their unending ability to provide shelter, healing, and nourishment, and some species, such as the sycamore, hold a special religious significance.
If you or a loved one is soon to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary, you may like to consider a Welsh love spoon as a perfect gift for the occasion. These traditional decorative spoons are hand carved by an expert craftsman from the finest quality sycamore, limewood or walnut.
The love spoon is a traditional artform, with the earliest surviving Welsh example dating back to 1667. In Wales, they were given as a love token to a sweetheart, and were also a way for the giver to demonstrate his workmanship, proving that he would make a good husband and provider.
Carved wooden spoons were given as a wedding gift in Germany and Scandinavian countries, where the couple would use them to eat from the same bowl, to seal their unity.
Each spoon carries a unique symbol on the handle, so you can choose a design which is most appropriate for the happy couple. For example, an angel represents protection, while an anchor is a symbol of security and faithfulness. A bell is a traditional symbol of marriage, music, and joyfulness.
There are many more designs to choose from, and regardless of its historic meaning, the symbol can represent something unique and personal to the recipient.