The dictionary
What the symbols mean
Nine symbols from the Welsh lovespoon tradition and what each has traditionally meant: heart, Celtic knot, key, wheel, horseshoe, chain links, bell, anchor and two birds.
Heart Love
On Welsh lovespoons, a heart has traditionally stood for love. Two hearts side by side: the love is returned.
Celtic Knot Everlasting love
A knot with no beginning and no end. Traditionally it stands for everlasting love and being together for ever.
Key Home and security
Traditionally the key stands for home and security: a promise to look after someone, or the key to a heart.
Wheel Support
Traditionally a wheel is a pledge to work hard and to support the one you love through life.
Horseshoe Good luck
Traditionally the horseshoe stands for good luck. It always points upwards, so the luck never runs out.
Chain Links Togetherness
Traditionally, chain links stand for loyalty and a wish to stay together. Some say each link is a year together, or a member of the family.
Bell Harmony
Traditionally a bell stands for a wedding, an anniversary and a life lived together in harmony.
Anchor Safe return
Traditionally the anchor stands for steadiness and protection: a safe harbour to come back to, wherever the journey goes.
Two Birds Let's go away together
Traditionally a pair of birds are lovebirds, and an invitation: let's go away together.
About these meanings
The meanings above are the ones most often given for symbols carved on Welsh lovespoons. Carvers, museums and books do not always agree: chain links, for example, are read as loyalty by some and as the number of years together or children hoped for by others. We print the most widely given reading on each card and always write it as a tradition, not a promise. A symbol does not make anything happen by itself; what it carries is the thought of the person who gives it.
Lovespoons were also carved with other symbols that we do not make, such as crosses, dragons, flowers and balls in a cage. If you would like to see one added, tell us.