enlarged or made rectangular in shape. At other times, filigree was added.
The handle was pierced, cutting designs in fretwork or carving in relief
were devices to add interest and meaning to the spoon. In this way,
symbols were incorporated: hearts, locks, keys, shields, anchors and wheels
were favoured themes.
A heart or a series of hearts was the most popular expression of love
used on spoons. These might be single or entwined to suggest that the boy
and his girl would soon feel the same way about each other. As the spoons
became more decorative, their utilitarian use ceased altogether and they
were used more for display. The heart was also an attractive and
convenient device for suspending the spoon on a wall. Indeed, most spoons
have a device for hanging them up, indicating that they were decorative
rather than functional.
Anchors in particular were popular: the suitor has found a berth where
he wished to stay. Many lovespoons were the work of seafarers who whiled
away the tedium of a voyage by whittling. Besides anchors, ropes and cable
designs often appear, as do vessels, steering wheels and various other
nautical emblems.
Locks (keeping love or a lover safe), keys (unlocking love), miniature
cottages and houses are recurrent themes with associations of lovers making
a life together. The key may have a triple significance for it may indicate
unlocking the door to the heart, it may indicate maturity (reaching 21 and
the key to the door theme) or it may mean "let's live in marriage
together".
Chain links look very difficult to carve and are another development of
the whittler's art showing the woodworker's skill. Suggestions are that the
links symbolically "link" the sweethearts together in love and
possibly matrimony.
It must be stressed that many assumptions have been made about the
meanings of the motifs which appear on lovespoons. Imagery is always
difficult to explain and certain motifs may have had more personal
significance for the donor than can be appreciated by the casual observer.
Spoons were not mass-produced but made by one individual for another and
many relied on personal nuances other than symbols to convey meaning.
Some spoons are dated. If the couple eventually marry, they then become
a keepsake of the suitor's original interest. Other spoons are personalized
either by initials or by an emblem of the occupation or the interests of
the donor or donor. Often a carver wishes to incorporate a date, a
monogram, a motto, a name or a quotation into a carving. If he wants to
keep it a secret, he may work the date or name into the design.
Nationalistic emblems such as a daffodil, a leek, the word Cymru or
even a dragon are sometimes used, but they are usually to be found on
modern spoons. Some spoons are intended to be in the nature of Valentines
and to be anonymous. It is difficult to understand, though, that someone
who had spent many hours creating such a gift would not want his work to be
appreciated. Others are decorated with dual initials, those of the suitor
and his lady or with a single initial when we are left to guess whether
this represents the donor or the donor. But we must try not to read too
much into the minds of the carvers of earlier days. Whatever we think, we
cannot help being amazed by the consummate skill of these lovespoon
craftsmen.
The Welsh National Game
Rugby is a form of football. It is named after Rugby School in
Warwickshire where it was developed, though the exact date (1823 or later)
is in dispute.
Rugby is the national game of Welsh team was thought to be the best of
the world. The rules of the game are rather complicated but mainly involve
the carrying of an egg-shaped ball over your opponents’ line and pressing
it firmly on the ground to score a try. A team consists of fifteen players,
eight of whom are usually much bigger and heavier than the rest. Their job
is to win the ball so that the three-quarters can run forward over the
line, trying to avoid the tackles of the opposing team. Often the heavier
forwards can be seen pushing together in a scrum, trying to kick the ball
backwards. Although the game seems to be similar to American football, the
players are not allowed to throw the ball forward. Other point can be won
by kicking the ball between the special “H” – shaped goal – posts.
When the Welsh side are playing at home at Cardiff Arms Park their
supporters often try to encourage them to play better by singing the Welsh
National anthem, “Land of My Fathers”. The sound of thousands of Welsh
voices singing this famous song usually helps the Welsh side to score
another try to win the game. Naturally they are especially pleased when
this is against the English!
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, also known as Ulster, is still a part of the United
Kingdom. It is made up of six countries: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh,
Londonderry, Tyrone. One third of the population lives in and around the
capital, Belfast. Belfast is also the mast important port and commercial
and industrial centre. Some parts of the territory, those that are not
close to capital, have remained mainly rural.
The Irish population is divided into two groups: the Protestants and
the Catholics. The Protestants are of British origin. They are descendants
of British settlers who came to Ireland in XVth and XVIIth centuries,
during and after the Reformation. The Catholics are mostly natives of
Ireland.
The Protestants were the majority and dominated the Catholics with
strong discrimination. In1968 the Catholics began the movement for equal
civil rights.
The fightings between the two groups of the population continue to this
day.
Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world. Only Russia has a
greater land area. Canada is situated in North America. Canada is slightly
larger than United States, but has only about a tenth as many people. About
28 million people live in Canada. About 80% of the population live within
320 km of the southern border. Much of the rest of Canada is uninhabited or
thinly populated because of severe natural conditions.
Canada is a federation of 10 provinces and 2 territories. Canada is an
independent nation. But according to the Constitution Act of 1982 British
Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is recognized as Queen of
Canada. This symbolizes the country’s strong ties to Britain. Canada was
ruled by Britain completely until 1867, when Canada gained control of its
domestic affairs. Britain governed Canada’s foreign affairs until1931, when
Canada gained all independence.
Canada’s people are varied. About 57% of all Canadians have some
English ancestry and about 32% have some French ancestry. Both English and
French are official languages of the country. French Canadians, most of
whom live in the provinces of Quebec, have kept the language and customs of
their ancestors. Other large ethnic group are German, Irish and Scottish
people. Native people-American Indians and Eskimos-make up about 2% of the
country’s population. 77% of Canada’s people live in cities or towns.
Toronto and Montreal are the largest urban areas. Ottawa is the capital of
the country.
Today, maintaining a sense of community is one of major problems in
Canada because of different among the provinces and territories. Many
Canadians in western and eastern parts of the country feel that the federal
government does not pay enough attention to their problems. 80% of Quebec’s
population are French Canadians. Many of them believe that their province
should receive a special recognition in the Canadian constitution.
History of Canada
Canada’s history is an exciting story of development of a vast
wilderness into a great nation. Most experts believe that the first people
who lived on this land came from Asia about 15000 years ago. They came over
a land bridge that once connected Asia and North America. Their descendants
are known today as Indians. The ancestors of the Eskimos came to Alaska
after them probably about 5000 years ago.
In 1497, John Cabot, an Italian navigator in the service of England,
found rich fishing grounds off Canada’s south-east coast. His discovery led
to the European exploration of Canada. France set up a colony in Eastern
Canada in the early 1600’s. Great Britain gained control of the country in
1763, and thousands of Britain emigrants came in Canada. In 1867, the
French and English-speaking Canadians helped to create a united colony
called the Dominion of Canada. Two groups worked together to settle the
country and to develop its great mineral deposits and other natural
resources.
Canada gained its independence from Britain in 1931. During the middle
of 20th century, hard-working Canadians turned their country into an
economic giant. Today Canada is a leading producer of wheat, oats, barley.
Canada also ranks among the world’s top manufacturing countries, and it is
a major producer of electronic power.
Throughout its history, Canada has often been troubled by lack of unity
among its people. French Canadians, most of them live in the province
Quebec, have struggled to preserve their own culture. They have long been
angered by Canadian policies based on British traditions. Many of them
support a movement to make Quebec a separate nation. People in Canada’s
nine other provinces also frequently local needs over national interests.
Australia
Australia is the only country in the world that also a continent. It is
sixth large country and the smallest continent. Australia lies between the
South Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. It is situated about 11000 km
southwest of North America and about 3200 km southeast of mainland Asia.
The name of the country comes from Latin word “australis” which mean
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