11. Carve a Lovespoon
Much like the ritual daggers, lovespoons were a traditional gift given to women to indicate the intent to court. Lovespoons are traditionally associated with 17th-century Wales but were also exchanged in some of the Nordic countries as well. Lovespoons were usually hand-carved out of a single piece of wood by the suitor. They had their own language, with symbols being carved into the spoons to give them unique meanings.
In Wales, many men were employed in nautical work, so anchors were a common theme carved into Welsh examples. The lovespoons would often be cut as a pastime while aboard the ship on voyages. The anchor also symbolized a desire to settle down, as an anchor settles to the bottom of the ocean. Vine and floral imagery were meant to represent a growing or blossoming love.
If a woman was impressed with both the suitor and the lovespoon he provided, she would hang it up in her home (presumably her parents’ home at the time) as an indication she supported his courting. The man, visiting his intended to court, would see the spoon displayed on the wall and know that his affections were returned. It was likely the father would also have to approve before the spoon could be displayed, as it has long been traditional for a father’s approval to be required before marriage.