Words by Alex Chard
Welsh love spoons are more than just beautifully carved wooden gifts; they are steeped in history, craftsmanship, and symbolism. Speaking to Cardiff Life Magazine, Robert Rice, owner of Castle Welsh Crafts, shares the fascinating origins of these traditional keepsakes and explains why they remain one of Wales’ most cherished gifts.
“The history of a love spoon, in a nutshell, goes way back to the 1600s,” explains Rice. “A young man would carve a spoon to give to a young lady as a sign of affection, possibly even as a prelude to betrothal.”
Before the Industrial Revolution, most people couldn’t afford cutlery made from expensive materials, so wooden spoons were commonplace. Over time, young men began to carve intricate designs into them, transforming them into meaningful gifts.
“They’d carve a heart onto the spoon to show their love, and as time went on, the shaft of the spoon got wider so they could add more symbols,” Rice continues. “In a way, young men back then were no different from today, trying to impress their love interest. It was also a way to show a girl’s father their skill—proving they were good with their hands and could provide for her.”
Each love spoon is laden with meaning. The heart is the central motif, symbolising love and devotion. Other symbols include chains, which represent everlasting love, and wheels, signifying a willingness to work hard for a future together.
“One of the most intricate designs includes a cage with wooden balls inside,” Rice says. “The general belief is that the number of balls represents how many children the couple hopes to have. Nowadays, people often buy spoons with pre-carved numbers to reflect their existing families.”
Traditional Welsh love spoons must be hand-carved from a single piece of wood with no joins, making them a true test of craftsmanship. Historically, sycamore and fruitwood were commonly used, though today, many carvers favour lime wood due to its workability.
“Some of the best carvers I know will only use lime wood,” says Rice. “It’s pale and easy to carve, and some even stain it darker to suit different tastes.” The intricacy of a spoon can affect its price, with complex designs requiring many hours of skilled work. However, at Castle Welsh Crafts, personalisation such as carving names or dates onto the spoon, is offered at no extra charge using pyrography, a technique involving a heated needle.
For those looking for an unforgettable experience, Castle Welsh Crafts houses a truly unique artefact—the largest carved love spoon in the world. “It was carved in the latter half of the last century, likely for the Garden Festival of Wales in the 1990s,” Rice reveals. “We’ve had it here for about 30 years, and it attracts a lot of visitors. People even get engaged underneath it!”
When it comes to romantic gestures, few gifts are as quintessentially Welsh as the love spoon. “Oh, absolutely, it’s the perfect Valentine’s gift,” Rice affirms. “It’s deeply rooted in our traditions, and because we personalise them for free, they’re even more special.”
Whether given as a token of affection or kept as a treasured family heirloom, Welsh love spoons continue to celebrate love and craftsmanship, making them one of Wales’ most meaningful gifts. For those interested in seeing or purchasing an authentic love spoon, Castle Welsh Crafts in Cardiff is the perfect place to explore this timeless tradition.
Find out more about Castle Welsh Crafts here: https://www.castlewelshcrafts.co.uk/
