The Welsh Lovespoon was just one of a number of ornately carved romantic tokens which began appearing in the mid 1600’s. Originally carved by lovestruck young men as gifts for the objects of their affection, the lovespoon was presented by the carver as a gift in hopes that a relationship could be started. There is no evidence to support the theory that the lovespoon was a betrothal gift, rather, it is most likely its acceptance by the young lady merely gave the ‘green light’ for a courtship to begin. Other types of romantic spoons were also carved in other regions of Europe during the same time period, and were given as 'tester' gifts, betrothal gifts and wedding gifts and although historical written detail is scant, new details about the complex tradition of romantic spoon giving is being unearthed all the time.
The arrival of the Industrial Age, followed closely by the murderous carnage of World War 1 effectively drove the crafting of most romantic tokens into extinction, but the lovespoon continues to be made to this day. In fact, it has even experienced something of a revival and is probably now more popular than at any other time in its history.
While lovespoons are rarely given for their original purpose, they are now given at engagements, weddings, anniversaries and a host of other occasions when only the most heartfelt gift will do!
To learn more about the lovespoon’s fascinating history, please check out my books, “Lovespoons, The Art and Traditions of a Romantic Craft”, " The Fine Art of Lovespoon Carving," and "The Great Book of Spooncarving Patterns", all available through Fox Chapel Publishing, online or through your favourite local book dealer.
If you would like to try making your own traditional style romantic spoon, check out the series of articles I wrote that have been published online by the Woodworker's Institute: (you'll have to cut and paste that address...nothing good comes easy!!)
The arrival of the Industrial Age, followed closely by the murderous carnage of World War 1 effectively drove the crafting of most romantic tokens into extinction, but the lovespoon continues to be made to this day. In fact, it has even experienced something of a revival and is probably now more popular than at any other time in its history.
While lovespoons are rarely given for their original purpose, they are now given at engagements, weddings, anniversaries and a host of other occasions when only the most heartfelt gift will do!
To learn more about the lovespoon’s fascinating history, please check out my books, “Lovespoons, The Art and Traditions of a Romantic Craft”, " The Fine Art of Lovespoon Carving," and "The Great Book of Spooncarving Patterns", all available through Fox Chapel Publishing, online or through your favourite local book dealer.
If you would like to try making your own traditional style romantic spoon, check out the series of articles I wrote that have been published online by the Woodworker's Institute: (you'll have to cut and paste that address...nothing good comes easy!!)
