UK Edition: Welsh Lovespooning

AmityUK

Story by AmityUK

Published on Feb 07, 2011 in Read

Photo by heidiburton

Imagine, if you will, that we are catapulted back in time, several hundred years ago to a small village in Wales where two pairs of eyes meet for the very first time. He smiles and she flushes crimson, both consumed by the bashfulness of youth.

She may have already acquired a small collection of Lovespoons from potential suitors, but this boy hopes to win her heart with his own effort. He must prove to her father that he possesses agile hands for working the land, but how does he persuade the young lady of his honest intentions?

He cannot read or write and the strength of his feelings are too raw for such a young man to speak of, but carving for her a single heart means that his own belongs to her; a dragon expresses his commitment to protect her; intertwining vines tell the story of their future growth together, and commas portray their souls. And so he begins work on this deeply romantic gesture from whence the term “spooning” is said to have originated.

Clockwise from top left, items by: dkshattuck, prettydreamer, DreamsofWood, thewintertulip, beehivekitchenware, BonnieThistleDesigns, GoodWoodDogs, woodlandwondersgifts, and thewintertulip

With unwavering patience he teases life into a fair block of Sycamore, turning it over in his hands, first with twca cam (curved dagger) to fashion the spoon’s bowl, then with pen-knife and metal-scraper to weave smooth, undulating Celtic curves into the handle. A fine Lovespoon is born under his dedicated care through the long winter nights by the fire, singing folk songs and listening to ancient tales.

Should the girl approve of both spoon and man, her blessing will be his indicator to commence official courtship. Perhaps they will commit and cohabit — marriage is practically unheard of at this time, in this part of the world. The spoon that brought them together will hold pride of place on a wall in their living room for all of their days. It will pass from generation to generation, allowing their love to live on in the precious object.

Are you crafting something special for Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments.

Sign up for the Etsy UK Newsletter


This Handmade Life | Browse Romantic Cutlery | The UK Edition

Discuss: 131 comments

Related Items

131 comments

Sign in to add your own