Welsh love spoons, slate gifts, and Welsh Lady dolls are heartwarming keepsakes that can last a lifetime. Knowing the history behind these three popular Welsh gifts will make them even more special to you, whether you’re the giver or the receiver. 

Three popular Welsh gifts given throughout the years in Wales are Welsh love spoons, Welsh slate gifts, and gifts featuring the Welsh Lady—a woman wearing the traditional Welsh costume of a woolen dress with an apron, neckerchief, stockings, red cloak, and tall black hat. Before the early 1800s, Wales didn’t have a national dress for women. We’ll explore its origin and the woman who popularized it. 

Did you know that love spoons aren’t unique to Wales? However, crafters of the love spoon in Cymru brought their own style, skillfulness, and attention to detail virtually unmatched anywhere else, truly bringing the Welshness factor into what we know as Welsh love spoons. 

The history of slate in Wales goes back over 1,800 years. People in North Wales began quarrying slate in Roman times. When the Industrial Revolution swung into high gear in Wales in the 1800s, the Welsh slate industry boomed. Slate in Wales is around 500 million years old and is the highest quality worldwide. A gift of slate from Cymru is a gift of the land itself. 

The Welsh Lady (Welsh National Costume) 

You may have seen small dolls in Wales dressed in a particular manner or an image of a woman wearing a tall, black hat painted on ornaments or other decorative items. This woman has become known as the “Welsh Lady.” She represents the Welsh National Dress, the traditional clothing women in rural parts of Cymru wore in the early 1800s. 

What does this traditional costume consist of, and why has it become a symbol of Welsh identity? The outfit is comprised of a loose-fitting dress (also called a “bedgown”) made of wool and worn over a corset. Underneath this, ladies wore an undergarment called a “petticoat,” which is a shorter skirt and was usually also made of wool. Women wore aprons over their bedgowns and also put on knitted stockings, a neckerchief, and a red cloak. They finished off the look with a tall black hat. The iconic black hat has become known as the “Welsh Hat.”

Before the 19th century, Wales did not have a specific cultural dress, although women who lived in remote parts of Cymru did wear wool dresses. Ladies drew inspiration for their gowns from 18th-century fashions, but beyond that, they didn’t have a national costume. 

How Did the “Welsh Lady” Identity Turn into Popular Welsh Dolls?

Augusta Hall (born Augusta Waddington [March 21, 1802 – January 17, 1896]) popularized the idea of a Welsh national costume. Also known as “Lady Llanover,” as her family was from Llanover, Monmouthshire, she was well educated and had traveled all over Britain and Europe. In 1823, Lady Llanover married Benjamin Hall, an MP (member of parliament) for 22 years. Among his other contributions, he’s remembered as the person in government who oversaw the construction of Big Ben in Westminster. Yes, if you were wondering if the clock is nicknamed after Benjamin Hall, indeed it is! Its official name is “Elizabeth Tower,” after the Queen. 

Lady Llanover was busy with her own worthy endeavors of promoting Welsh folk culture and the Welsh language. She was one of the leading proponents of the triple harp as Wales’ national instrument. She also ensured that Welsh was taught in two schools and assisted in starting a women’s Welsh language magazine called “Y Gymraes” (“The Welsh Woman”).

Lady Llanover was also responsible for forming the foundations of the Welsh national dress. At the Eisteddfod in Cardiff in 1834, she submitted an essay under her bardic name, “Gwenynen Gwent.” (A “bardic name” is a fictitious name used by artists and poets in Cornwall, Brittany, and Wales.) The essay was entitled “The Advantages Resulting from the Preservation of the Welsh Language and National Costumes of Wales.” It won Best Essay in the competition. Her dress ideas took hold, and women accepted them throughout the country. One might say that Lady Llanover was the original Welsh Lady! While the traditional costume is now only worn on St. David’s Day or by performers at eisteddfodau (festivals of music or poetry), the Welsh Lady is very much alive as a cultural symbol in art, gifts, and the cute dolls we see. 

Welsh Love Spoons 

People began giving Welsh love spoons as gifts in the 1600s. They were made either from scratch or from large wooden kitchen spoons and carved with symbols and shapes, especially on the handles. The spoons began as a token of affection that a young man would create and give to the woman he loved, hoping she would accept his offer of a relationship. While he might also give her sweets or flowers, a love spoon was a highly personalized gift and went beyond merely a beautifully crafted woodwork. For one thing, he chose what symbols to place on the spoon, conveying a message only for his beloved. Secondly, the many hours of work he put into perfecting each little detail in the gift showed his commitment to her. And finally, the craftsmanship itself showed his skill and good qualities as a potential husband. 

The Oldest Love Spoon in Wales

The custom of carving love spoons does not actually originate in Wales. They’ve been found all over Europe—especially in the Celtic areas. However, the Welsh people took this tradition and gave it their own style, creating some of the most intricate and unique love spoons in the world. The spoons carved in Cymru varied in every way, from size to the wood used to different degrees of intricacy. Each spoon was a unique creation with a separate and special meaning from every other spoon. Unfortunately, we don’t know who made the first love spoon in Wales. However, we do know of the oldest surviving love spoon from Cymru that a young suitor made in 1667. You can see it at   St. Fagan’s National Museum of History . 

Love and Marriage in Remote Parts of Wales

Another interesting aspect of the history of Welsh love spoons is that when people first began making them, couples in remote parts of Cymru rarely had a formal engagement or marriage ceremony. They merely started a relationship and later lived together as husband and wife. (This changed during the 1800s when the registry of marriages became mandatory in England and Wales.) The new wife would then proudly display her love spoon on the wall to symbolize the couple’s bond. Seen in this light, especially as many families were poor and couldn’t afford jewelry, the love spoon almost acts as a kind of wedding ring and token of their vows to one another. 

In this post about   Welsh Mother’s Day gifts , you can learn about some symbols on Welsh love spoons, their meanings, and the different types of wood used. 

Welsh Slate Gifts

What makes slate so valuable? For one thing, it can last a very long time. On a roof, it can last for over a hundred years. Of course, depending on what builders use it for, slate can last far longer than that. For example, the Bronze Age ring cairn, Bryn Cader Faner in North Wales, could be as much as 4,000 years old! Much of it remains, and you can still visit this haunting ring of stones today.

One reason slate lasts so long is its low water absorption. This quality makes it resistant to damage from frost and erosion. In addition to that, unlike some materials, slate’s color only improves with time. That means that its rich hue only deepens rather than fades. Slate is also a dense stone, which makes it withstand lots of weather without cracking easily.

Slate has always been a part of life in Wales. The ancient Welsh used it since antiquity for various purposes, including burial sites, tools, and shelter, to name a few. The more “recent” history of Welsh slate goes back over 1,800 years to when the Romans built their military forts in Britain. They constructed Segontium, a fort in Caernarfon, using slate from the quarries in North Wales. The slate was also used in building castles, such as Conwy Castle, which King Edward I built. However, it wasn’t until the advancements of the Industrial Revolution that Wales’ slate industry boomed. Wales soon became the leading slate producer in the world!

While the last slate mines closed in the 1960s, people still prize Welsh slate for its beauty, durability, and high quality. It’s used in everything from roofs to buildings to ornaments, cutting boards, and   keepsakes. As a gift, Welsh slate is a fun and unique way to connect with this intrinsic part of Wales’ past. 

More Ideas for Sharing a Love of Cymru

For other ideas for Welsh gifts, check out the following posts:

• Welsh Gifts for Him:   9 Welsh Gifts for Him That Are Thoughtful and Fun
• Welsh Terrier Gifts:   The Breed That Inspired the Cute Welsh Terrier Stuffed Animal
• Books About Wales:   7 Great Welsh Gifts for the Bookworm in Your Life
• Unusual Welsh Gifts:   5 Ways to Celebrate Memories and Connections With Unique Welsh Gifts
• Welsh Food Gifts:   7 Exciting Ideas for Giving Welsh Food Gifts
• Traditional Welsh Gifts:   7 Cute and Fun Ideas With Traditional Welsh Gifts
• Welsh Gifts for Her:   11 Welsh Mother’s Day Gifts Filled With Love and Joy

The Welsh Terrier is a small black-and-tan hunting dog bred several hundred years ago in Cymru’s rural mountains and valleys. Like all terriers, this hardy breed has surprising skill at cornering and seizing burrowing or cave-dwelling game, such as foxes, badgers, otters, and vermin . 

What is a terrier? A terrier is a breed of dog from Wales that was developed to hunt and kill vermin and other small animals. They are known for being small, fearless, and highly intelligent. These dogs are also known for their characteristic “game” or “gameness.” In this context, “game” is a genetic trait that gives dogs eagerness, tenacity, and lots of spirit. 

As the oldest terrier breed in the UK, the Welsh has an exciting history. Perhaps as much as 500 years ago,   farmers in remote parts of Cymru   began breeding this dog. The early Welsh Terrier was bred to keep foxes, rodents, badgers, and other small nuisance critters off their land. By the 1700s, hunters in western Wales used Welsh Terriers to run with the hounds on fox hunts.

Are Welsh Terriers Good Pets?

Yes! Welsh Terriers make great pets. However, because they have big personalities and are so free-spirited, you should understand the following before buying or adopting one. They are not suitable for first-time dog owners.

While they are loyal and form strong bonds with family members, this breed has a medium affection level due to their independence. For comparison, a Brussels Griffon has a high affection level, and an Irish Wolfhound is one of the least affectionate dogs.

Welsh Terriers are hypoallergenic. “Hypoallergenic” in dogs means they produce low amounts of allergens, such as dander, saliva, and urine. They are not droolers and are low-shedders.

Welshies also get along reasonably well with other dogs. This point is important, as some terriers don’t get along so well with other canines. Being a hunting dog, however, if challenged, the Welsh will have no problem fighting another dog. 

Welshies get along with children as long as the kids aren’t too rough with them. For this reason, these dogs are more likely to do well with older, respectful children than young children. 

Welsh Terriers are friendly and playful but also have a mischievous or stubborn streak, which may make training a bit more challenging. 

This tough little dog breed needs  lots  of exercise! So, be ready to take them on walks and have lots of space for them to run around.

Are Welsh Terriers Cuddly?

Yes, they are cuddly and affectionate. Once again, they are loving, though they are not the most affectionate breed out there. They can be independent at times, too. They love their humans, delight in attention, and their loyalty knows no bounds. 

Welsh Terriers have a coarse, dense, wiry outer coat with a softer undercoat. Despite the wiry fur, their relatively small body and loving nature are great for a cwtch. 

How Much Is a Welsh Terrier?

Price ranges vary for purchasing Welsh Terrier puppies. The above gives an average range. Please do your research and only purchase animals from reputable sources.

Similarities and Differences Between the Welsh and Other Breeds of Terrier

Welsh Terrier vs. Airedale Terrier

Welsh Terriers are smaller than Airedales. They are more affectionate but need more training and repetition of commands. Their color pattern is very similar. However, the Welshie’s head is more boxed-shaped. Both breeds are hypoallergenic.

Welsh Terrier vs. Wire Fox Terrier

The Welsh Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier are about the same size. Wire Fox Terriers generally have a primarily white coat with spots of black, tan, or both. The Welsh is slightly more pet and stranger-friendly but has higher coat-maintenance needs than the Wire Fox. The Welsh Terrier is prone to fewer diseases. 

Welsh Terrier vs. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog bred in Ireland, larger than the Welsh Terrier. Puppies are reddish-brown and mature into the wheaten-colored coat. Both breeds require patience to train, with the Wheaten being the slightly easier of the two. They are both extremely protective.  

Welsh Terrier vs. Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is also a medium-sized dog. Despite not being large, they are one of the best watchdogs. Irish Terriers are more affectionate. Neither breed is likely to bite anyone or be aggressive. 

Welsh Terrier vs. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers may be black, wheaten (straw to nearly white), brindle, red, silver, or sandy. Black is the most common. The Scottish Terrier isn’t hypoallergenic like the Welsh Terrier and is also slightly smaller. They are a bit more stubborn than the Welsh but still loving and eager to please. The Scottish Terrier barks and howls more and is more independent. 

Welsh Terrier vs. Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terriers, an American breed, look very different. As the name suggests, they are tiny. They are primarily white with tan, black, or chocolate markings. A Toy Fox weighs between 3 ½ and 7 pounds, whereas a Welsh Terrier weighs between 20 and 21 pounds. Having a short coat, they need less grooming than the Welsh. They are both affectionate, but the Toy Fox is more stubborn. The Toy Fox is also not hypoallergenic like the Welsh Terrier.