Lovespoon

Origins and history

This tradition emerged in Wales during the seventeenth century. Carvers added elaborate designs over generations, shifting the object from a kitchen utensil to a wall-hung decoration. The earliest dated Welsh example comes from 1667, though the custom likely began earlier. An older German example exists from 1664, showing the craft's regional spread.

Symbols and meaning

Each carving held specific significance for the recipient. A horseshoe promised luck, while a cross represented faith. Bells signified marriage, hearts denoted love, and a lock offered security. Caged balls indicated hopes for children. Sailors often included anchors during long voyages. Complex chains displayed the carver's technical skill alongside these heartfelt messages.

Norwegian wedding custom

In Norway, linked spoons played a role in mid-nineteenth-century weddings. Newlyweds ate using connected spoons on the second day of ceremonies to symbolize their union. These items were often carved from one piece of wood. Couples hung them above their door after the event, preserving the memory of their linkage.

How Lovespoon is kept

A suitor carves a wooden spoon using traditional tools, embedding symbols like hearts, locks, or bells to communicate his intentions. He presents this item to the woman and her father as proof of his ability to build a home. In Norwegian traditions, couples use linked spoons during wedding meals to represent their joined lives, later hanging the spoons in their new house.

When and where

Given during courtship in Wales, or used during the second day of a wedding in Norway. The craft dates back to the seventeenth century.

Strongest in Wales as a courtship gift, and historically in Norway for wedding ceremonies. Examples are found in museums across both regions.

What Lovespoon means

The spoon represents the suitor's skill and promise to provide. Symbols convey specific wishes: security, faith, luck, and family growth. Linked spoons in Norway physically join the couple, emphasizing unity and shared life through shared craftsmanship.

Who takes part

• The suitor: Carves the spoon and presents it to the woman and her father.
• The bride: Receives the spoon as a token of romantic intent and skill.
• The groom: Uses a linked spoon during the wedding meal to symbolize union.

Then and now

Lovespoons are now primarily decorative folk crafts. They are given as gifts for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays like Valentine's Day, rather than as part of active courtship rituals.

On the wedding table

Symbols: The ring

Questions people ask about Lovespoon

See also

Gimmal ringA betrothal ring with separate hoops that join to form the wedding band.Wedding registryA service that helps couples share their gift preferences with guests to avoid duplicates and unwanted items.QuaichA shallow two-handled cup used in Scottish weddings to share a drink and symbolise union.KransekakeA towering almond ring cake central to Scandinavian wedding and holiday traditions.

Good reading and sources

• Lovespoon on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.