Symbols & Meanings - Each Symbol has a different Meaning

There has been much debate on the significance of the different symbols and motifs used in the carving of love spoons. Many of the young carvers were shy and unwilling to show their emotions, and this would attempt to convey their true feelings through the use of various symbols. Over the centuries, many more symbols and motifs have been added and as the love spoons became more elaborate and decorative, they have become collectables. [1]

	BELL	Weddings or Anniversaries or Together in Harmony.
	BALL IN CAGE	Love held safe or the number of children one wishes to have.
	BIRDS	Love birds or Lets go away together. Stork represents a new birth.
	CHAIN	Signifies loyalty and faithfulness. A wish to be together forever. Can also signify the number of children one wishes.
	CROSS	A wish to have faith in Jesus Christ or a wish for God to bless.
	DIAMOND	Wealth or Good fortune.
	HEART	This is one of the most common patterns. One heart signifies that the girl/boy has taken hold of the young man/woman's heart, and two hearts on the same spoon means that love is reciprocated.
	HORSESHOE	A symbol of Good luck and Good fortune.
	KEY/ KEYHOLE	Security or I shall look after you. The partner holds the key to his/her heart or home.
	KNOT / CELTIC KNOTWORK	Eternal love or Together forever or Everlasting.
	LOCK	Security or, I shall look after you
	TWISTED STEM	Two live become as one, or, Togetherness.
	DRAGON	Protection or Symbol of Wales.
		Source of list [2], [3]
Breese, Gwyndaf. (2006). Traditional Spooncarving in Wales. pp. 64. Curtis, Paul. The Welsh lovespoon Tradition. pp. 18. Meek, Elin. (2003). Llwyau Caru - Lovespoons. pp. 13-20.