On Nov 6, 2005, at 9:23 AM, Eric Yost wrote:
This from the URL Judy posted on Callennig:
There is a curious Welsh custom of giving a wooden spoon - a so called "love spoon" to one's fiance or sweetheart. The custom of giving wooden gifts was indeed widespread in many countries of Europe from the end of the 17th century (but it would be, wouldn't it? it is not as of they had plastic!). The first Welsh love spoon is attributed to a 16th Century young romantic who carved the offering for his intended, and unwittingly began the tradition.
Judy responded doubtfully.
A spooney was an effeminate youth or man.
David Ritchie Portland, Oregon ------------------------------------------------------------------ To change your Lit-Ideas settings (subscribe/unsub, vacation on/off, digest on/off), visit www.andreas.com/faq-lit-ideas.html