About Welsh Lovespoons: The Tradition, FAQ's, and Some Common Symbolism
The Tradition
At least as far back as the 17th century in Wales, folklore tells us that Lovespoons have been carved from a single piece of wood, using decorative designs and romantic symbols to convey a personal, heartfelt message. It seems to be widely accepted that they were originally given to begin a courtship - basically declaring one's intentions. A young man of the working classes would carve one of these spoons and present it to the girl who had stolen his heart. The more effort or complexity put into the carving, the more care it conveyed. If she accepted the spoon, it meant she returned his feelings, and their courtship would begin. I've heard that the girls might have carried around the spoons, tied into their apron strings.
Today, Lovespoon symbols and their interpretations have expanded, as have the occasions for which they are commonly given. Today, they are given for weddings, anniversaries, christenings, housewarmings, or any special occasion. Still, the tradition remains otherwise unchanged: it is still a decorative spoon, hand-carved from a single piece of wood, conveying a personal, heart-felt message. It's this core of the tradition that I find so appealing.
Lovespoons appear to have been a tradition in many cultures, but the Welsh tradition seems distinctly recognizable. There has been a great deal of research done about this tradition, by much better researchers than myself. The story I have here is the basic story that I've concluded from my limited reading, and from conversations with other people familiar with the tradition. I hope I have done it justice!
If you're interested in more history, I've included a link, below, to an excellent article, which includes still more links to other excellent websites and articles.
"Lovespoons in Perspective" by Herbert E. Roese
I design all of my spoons, and hand-carve them from a variety of woods, putting love and care into the creation of each spoon. I do my very best to perpetuate and honor the Tradition. I sincerely hope that my efforts are a lasting contribution to the tradition and art of the Welsh Lovespoon.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: How long does it take to make a spoon?
A: Most of my spoons average between 15 and 30 hours, although I've made spoons before in as little as 10 hours and as many as 100 hours. The fact is, properties of each specific piece of wood can dramatically affect how quickly it can be worked. Also, the complexity or difficulty of the design can make a drastic difference.
Q: What tools do you use?
A: I carve with hand-chisels & gouges, knives, etc. I use many grits of sandpapers, and sometimes needle files for the finishing.
Q: Do you stain the wood?
A: I prefer not to stain the wood - The natural color of the wood is usually very beautiful on its own. I do finish each spoon with oil and wax, to protect the wood. With some designs, a darker or lighter wood, or a stronger or plainer grain might fit better. I like to take that into consideration when choosing the type and actual piece of wood.
Q: What kinds of wood do you use?
A: I have been favoring Cherry, Mahogany, Walnut, and Poplar. I also have an affection for Yew and Olivewood, though I don't often use them. I am frequently trying new types of wood, but prefer to use woods that are easily accessible. Almost any type of wood can be used, however, some lend themselves much more to carving than others. For example, some woods cannot take as much detail as others, some cannot be brought to the same kind of finish as others, and some are very very hard, and therefore put much more wear and tear on my hand muscles and the blades of my tools.
Q: Do you ever make more than one of the same design?
A: Yes, I have - although, I generally prefer to at least change some part. I do often incorporate similar elements into multiple spoons. Of course, the hand-made nature of these spoons, and the natural material (wood) inherently creates some differences - even if they are small. I may aim to make the same design, but I do not aim to make precise replicas of any spoons. I think doing that would sacrifice some of their character - and character (or heart) is what a Lovespoon is all about. :)
Q: How often do you break a spoon while making it?
A: Surprisingly not very often. I have broken a couple - the most likely time to break one is near the end of the finishing process. Hopefully, I can adapt the design to salvage the spoon, but more often, if it breaks, it goes into the scrap pile, and onto the "lessons learned" list.
Q: What symbols can you carve into a spoon?
A: Anything relevant to the giver and to the recipient (and within my carving abilities). The symbolism is meant to be personal. While there have always been many common symbols used, designs are not at all limited to those common symbols. Generally, if I can draw it, I can probably carve it. Of course, the laws of physics apply, as well. ;)
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Some Common Lovespoon Symbolism
Hearts - Love
Intertwined Hearts Eternal love
Intertwined Vines Togetherness, Growth, Forever
Bells, Knot, bow Wedding, Marriage
Cross Faith, Christianity, Church
Horseshoe Good Luck
Diamond Wealth, Good Fortune, or Prosperity
Flowers Gentleness, Affection, Growth
Lock, Key, Keyhole Yyour love is safe with me, Key to my heart, House & home.
Shield Protection, Security
Caged ball(s*) Love kept safe
* The number of balls in a cage, or links in a chain can also represent the number of children
Chain Loyalty, Faithfulness
Birds - Let's go away together
Stork new baby
Anchor I want to settle down with you
Harp, Musical notes, Clef Music / Harmony
Oak leaf, Chain, Dragon - Strength
Patriotic symbols:
Daffodil, Leek, Welsh dragon Wales, Welsh heritage
Shamrock Ireland, Irish heritage
Thistle Scotland, Scottish heritage
Celtic knot-work Celtic heritage, togetherness
While these may be prevalent symbols, most important to the tradition is that whatever symbols are used convey the intended message to the recipient.
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