In Welsh courtship and wedding tradition, the carved wooden gift carrying a romantic message is a love spoon.
A Welsh love spoon is a decorated wooden spoon carved as a token of affection. Traditional designs may include hearts, bells, keys, locks, wheels, and interlaced patterns. The symbols can express love, fidelity, good fortune, or the hope of a secure household. A suitor might present one to a loved one, while modern couples may exchange or display them at a wedding.
The custom is especially associated with Wales and became widely recognized as a Welsh folk tradition. Some surviving examples date from the seventeenth century, although the practice has evolved over time. Earlier spoons could be functional, while later examples were made primarily as decorative gifts.
A love spoon is not a ceremonial eating utensil required at every Welsh wedding. It is better understood as a carved keepsake or courtship gift, often personalized with initials, dates, or symbolic motifs.