Gadrilan's Carved Love Spoons
A Gift Of Love
A little known tradition, unique to Gadrilan, is the hand carved wooden spoons given as a token of love from a man to a woman. This is traditionally done early in the courting process, before they are ready to make a relationship public. There is a specific meaning to much of the carving, the first being the choice of wood used, the second being the design itself. While a heart is common as an overall symbol of their love these spoons can often including much more intricate features, each having it's own meaning. These will be explained below.The Presentation
These spoons are often given in private as it is a symbol of the couple's love, which is something special between the two of them, and not the business of others. Due to the discrete nature of their relationship in it's early stages, being given before making it public. The spoon is then to be kept by the lady and is often hidden from the eyes of others, especially her parents, for the time being at least. When the happy couple feels it is time to officially declare their love for each other to the woman's parents, she is to reveal this spoon and hand it to her father. The work involved, no matter how simple or intricate, in making the spoon shows that the man is prepared to put the work in to the relationship. The father is then to pass back this spoon and, if he is happy, officially welcome the man in to the home. Then it is time for the mother to take her daughter to another room while the two men talk, this usually being quite a daunting prospect.The Wedding Table
At a later date, if things turn out well and they get married, the spoon is to be displayed at the table during the wedding feast. Positioned by the front edge of said table, placed between the bride and groom, now as a public token of the couple's love. This is to remain there for the duration of the ceremony, and afterwards is to be taken home by the newly married love birds, and hung on their wall.The Wood Chosen
As mentioned before, the wood chosen also has it's own significance. This must be of good quality and traditionally the man would search for the wood himself although ready made blanks are starting to become more popular. The wood is used to symbolise how the man feels about the love between them. The meanings of the most common woods are as follows:| Oak | Long lasting and steadfast |
| Pine | Delicate and affectionate |
| Ash | Deep burning love |
| Birch | Devout, faithful |
by Wikimedia Commons
Symbols And Meanings
Many of the designs of the carvings have significant meaning behind them, the most common of these are as follows:Chain
An unbreakable bond
Horseshoe
Good luck or good fortune
Heart
Undying love
Intricate knot
Together forever, everlasting
Heart in a cage
A love held secure
Bird
Love birds, deep love
Key/keyhole
Security, promise to always take care of the partner
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