Spoons as a love note? The Enchanting Tale of Welsh “Love Spoons”

If you thought love notes penned with ink were old-fashioned, let me introduce you to carved wooden Love Spoons—a secret love language straight from the rolling hills of Wales! I know it might sound a bit quirky at first (a spoon for Valentine’s Day, really?), but in our age of texts and Snapchats, the idea behind these spoons is refreshingly deep. They remind me that true love is something crafted with time, passion, and a whole lot of care.

A Glimpse into the Past

I’ve always been fascinated by traditions with a story, and Welsh love spoons are no exception. Dating back to at least the 17th century—with the earliest known spoon carved in 1667—this custom started as a form of courtship. Back in the day, every Welshman needed to be able to carve a spoon, not only to use as a daily utensil but also for the family to prepare meals. Over time, the extra-special spoons were set aside as gifts, and these practical objects—tied to the ideas of nourishment and care—evolved into tokens of love, affection, and commitment. Carving a spoon wasn’t just about whittling wood; it required time, effort, and a mastery of one’s craft. And honestly, those qualities said a lot about the kind of partner you’d want by your side!

Heartfelt Expression Through Craft

These Love Spoons are not your run-of-the-mill kitchen spoons. What truly captivates me about them is their intricate design. Every spoon is a little masterpiece, filled with symbols that carry heartfelt messages. Here are a few of the common motifs I love:

• Hearts: A universal sign of deep affection.

• Locks and Keys: Emblems of trust, security, and the promise of unlocking one’s heart.

• Chains: Representing the strong, unbreakable bond between two souls.

• Wheels: Suggesting movement, progress, and the journey of life together.

• Celtic Knots: Symbolizing eternal love and the interweaving of destinies.

Traditionally, these spoons were carved from a single block of wood using nothing more than hand tools—knives, chisels, and gouges. The type of wood was important too: softwoods like sycamore allowed for fine details, while harder woods such as oak or yew provided a rich, enduring finish. Sometimes, artisans even added moving parts—like spinning wheels or rocking elements—to showcase their technical skill and inject a playful charm into the piece!

Love Spoons Today: Tradition Meets Modern Craftsmanship

Even though the ritual of exchanging love spoons as a courtship practice isn’t as common today, the art of carving them is very much alive. I’m continually inspired by modern artisans—like Ceini Spiller or Casgliad Llawn—who honor this cherished tradition by blending age-old techniques with contemporary design. Nowadays, love spoons often show up as wedding gifts, anniversary presents, or tokens of friendship, symbolizing connections that go far beyond the material.

This sentiment is what fuels my own passion for carving and sharing wooden spoons. In our fast-paced world, taking the time to create something meaningful with your own hands is a joy I try to hold onto. Every spoon I carve feels like a little bridge connecting the past with the present—a fusion of history and modernity that reminds me just how special genuine expression can be.

If you’re looking to tap into that same sense of joy and connection, or if you have an idea for a custom spoon that I can help bring to life, I’d love to hear from you!

Image source: National Museum Wales

If you're interested in learning more about Love Spoons, check out this great CBS Sunday Morning video: