Welsh love spoons 25 January 2024 Although the exact origins of lovespoon-making in Wales are unclear, we know that such spoons would have been shaped with great care and devotion by their carvers. Lovespoons were given as a token of love and affection and each spoon was unique.The lovespoon collection at Amgueddfa Cymru contains beautifully ornamented examples both historical and modern. It conveys the changing nature of the art through time and encompasses a wide variety of styles and designs all carefully handcrafted to the highest quality.Presenting a decoratively carved spoon to a loved one as a token of affection has long been popular in Wales. From the Museum's oldest dated spoon of 1667 to contemporary examples by renowned present-day carvers, the calibre of the spoons is testimony to the makers' skill and devotion in creating objects intended to be treasured by their recipients. Young men traditionally made a lovespoon from a single piece of wood, as a love token for their sweethearts. Romantic gifts to maidensDespite the lack of historical sources, it is generally believed that lovespoons were formerly crafted by male suitors and then presented as romantic gifts to the maidens they admired. The eighteenth- and nineteenth- century examples which form the basis of the Museums collection were driven by the emotion and passion of carvers who sought to produce works of art worthy of their beloveds.The simplest of tools, such as small pocket knives, were traditionally used to to create the spoons, if possible, from a single piece of wood. Close-grain woods, such as sycamore, box and fruit woods were particularly popular.Although the popularity of lovespoons has fluctuated over time, lovespoon carving has survived intact and continues thanks to a new breed of craftsmen determined to preserve the art.Traditionally, lovespoons were given as romantic gifts, but today they are frequently given as gifts to commemorate events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and christenings. Their function has significantly altered over time - particularly from the mid-twentieth century onwards when the fashion for mass-produced examples became increasingly prominent.What do love spoons mean?The symbolism on the spoons has also changed in recent years, with the introduction of Celtic and national emblems, such as daffodils and dragons, a means of expressing Welsh identity. This contrasts with the previously romantic sentiment, such as hearts, diamonds and wheel motifs.Lovespoons continue to represent an expression of one's thoughts and emotions and carvers remain who honour the folk origins, either by creating spoons on commission or as presents for their family and friends.Lovespoon carving is an ever-evolving craft and one which is sure to continue to delight and inspire for many generations to come.Judging by the exquisite array of designs in the Museums collections, carvers have always felt free to decorate their lovespoons as they saw fit. Although each spoon is unique and often features initials or dates personal to the recipient, over time a series of symbols were employed to depict romantic thoughts and feelings. Such symbolism can, of course, be interpreted in many ways, and we can only imagine the true emotions of the carver as he prepared the spoon.HeartsThe heart is the universal symbol of love and is frequently seen on Welsh lovespoons. It is a sign of passion and strong emotion - surely signifying the carver's depth of feeling for his beloved. A lovespoon showing twin hearts might well indicate a mutual love between sender and recipient.Double bowlsOccasionally, lovespoons are carved with two or more bowls, possibly to indicate the union of the souls when joined together, or perhaps the number of children desired.Comma or paisley shape Often visible on historic Welsh lovespoons, this shape is said to represent the soul and deep affection.Balls in cage Balls carved within cages are commonly thought to represent the number of children desired by the carver, but could equally be a sign of a man held captive by his love.Chain linksGenerally considered to indicate loyalty and faithfulness, chain links might also symbolise a couple bound together in their love and loyalty.DiamondsDiamonds are believed to represent a wish for prosperity and good fortune and a promise to provide well for a loved one.Keys and keyholes In addition to the house images that sometimes appear on Welsh lovespoons appearing to represent domestic contentment, key and keyhole carvings are also used frequently, perhaps symbolizing security or, more romantically, the key to one's heart.Wheel Wheel symbols often feature in Welsh lovespoons and are said to represent a vow by the carver to work hard and to guide a loved one through life.Try your hand at designing your very own virtual lovespoon to send to a loved one. Image Gallery: Welsh Lovespoons Lovespoon, with heart-shaped opening on handle Lovespoon, with panel handle and geometrical designs Lovespoon, inscribed 'MI 1721' Lovespoon, with hearts and other geometrical designs Lovespoon, with panel handle and covered with chip-carving Two heavy lovespoons hanging from two-looped panel Lovespoon, with panel handle and two bowls Lovespoon, with bowl at each end Lovespoon, dated 1735 Lovespoon with narrow panel handle with the name 'John' in fretwork Lovespoon, with handle carved to depict serpent and bird Lovespoon with ridged stem and curved terminal Inscribed wooden fork, 19th century Lovespoon, with chip-carved handle fretted with various designs Lovespoon, with fretted heart devices and chip-carving Take a look at our online shop for the perfect St Dwynwen's day giftVisit online shop
St Dwynwen’s Day – The Welsh Patron Saint of Love 14 June 2014 What Is St Dwynwen’s Day?St Dwynwen’s Day is celebrated in Wales on 25 January and commemorates St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of love and friendship. Often described as the Welsh equivalent of Valentine’s Day, the celebration has its roots in medieval Welsh tradition.When is St Dwynwen's Day Celebrated?St Dwynwen's day is celebrated in Wales on 25 January and commemorates the patron saint of friendship and love.Who was St Dwynwen?Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and was, by all accounts, one of the prettiest of Brychan Brycheiniog's 24 daughters.Who Was Maelon Dafodrill?Central to the legend of St Dwynwen is her relationship with Maelon Dafodrill, a story that explains her association with love and loss.The story goes that Dwynwen fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill, but unfortunately her father had already arranged that she should marry someone else. Maelon was so outraged that he raped Dwynwen and left her.In her grief Dwynwen fled to the woods, where she begged God to make her forget Maelon. After falling asleep, Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice.God then gave three wishes to Dwynwen. First she wished that Maelon be thawed, second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and third that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to God's service for the rest of her life.Ynys Llanddwyn and St Dwynwen’s ChurchRemains of Dwynwen's church can be seen today on the island of Llanddwyn, off the coast of Anglesey.During the 14th century, on visiting the island, the poet Dafydd ap Gwilym witnessed a golden image of Dwynwen inside the church, and was bold enough to request her help as a messenger between himself and Morfudd, the girl he hoped to win — despite the fact that Morfudd was already married.Also situated on the island is Dwynwen's well, where, allegedly, a sacred fish swims, whose movements predict the future fortunes and relationships of various couples. Visitors to the well believe that if the water boils while they are present, then love and good luck will surely follow.The popularity and celebration of St Dwynwen's day has increased considerably in recent years, with special events, such as concerts and parties, often held and greetings cards printed. Although still not as popular as St Valentine's Day in February, St Dwynwen is certainly becoming better-known among today's population of Wales.Love Tokens in Wales: From Lovespoons to StaybusksThroughout history and still today, love tokens are given as symbols of devotion and commitment to loved ones.LOVESPOONSTraditionally crafted by male suitors, lovespoons were presented to admired maidens. Using simple tools, they expressed their passions and emotions through the symbols they carved. STAYBUSKSDecorated with motifs and initials, a busk was inserted into a woman’s stays, keeping her torso upright and sitting close to her heart. Pictured is a Staybusk from Llanwrtyd, inscribed with the initials RM and IM. JESSIE KNIGHT TATTOOSBetween the 1920s and 1960s, Jessie Knight tattooed these designs onto sailors and servicemen. Symbolising their devotion, these permanent love tokens served as a way for sailors to keep their loved ones close at sea. KNITTING SHEATHIt was a Welsh custom to carve knitting sheaths with names and motifs and give them as love tokens. Worn on the right side of the body, they held the needle steady, freeing the left hand to work the yarn. LOVE COINSMade by sailors or convicts in the 18th-19th century, these coins were engraved with symbols of love, separation, and return. Offered as parting gifts for long or indefinite separations. These enduring love tokens, each with their own unique story, continue to symbolise love and connection through Welsh history and tradition.
