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WELSH COUNTRY CRAFTS
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| About the Welsh Lovespoon | |
| The ancient custom of giving lovespoons in Wales dates back to the 17th Century. The earliest surviving example, displayed in the Welsh Folk museum in Cardiff, is dated around 1667. According to Welsh folklore, these ornately carved lovespoons were traditionally made from a single piece of wood by a suitor to show his affection to his loved one. The lovespoon originated from the "cawl" (soup) spoon. Decorative carvings were added to the spoon – the symbols having various meanings. Sailors would carve lovespoons during their long voyages to far off lands around the globe. Ideas and patterns from various countries became incorporated in the lovespoon designs and exotic timbers were introduced. Today, lovespoons are requested from all over
the world. They are given as gifts for engagements, weddings,
christenings, birthdays and anniversaries or as a love token and
of course as a souvenir from Wales. Here are the meanings of some lovespoon symbols: Leaf - Love Grows
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