In September, I traveled to the far end of Brittany to meet a gentleman who intrigued me. His name is Hervé Lorant, and he isa sculptor of wedding spoons("and others," as hisFacebookpage says...). An unusual profession, isn't it?
But what are wedding spoons? They are actually anold Breton tradition(but not only!).
In the past, Breton peasants often ate only with spoons, and each person had their own. In homes, theparailher, or spoon holder, was a kind of openwork wooden circle used to store spoons. Some were simply placed on the table, while others were suspended from the ceiling using a pulley system. They were used to store everyday spoons as well as wedding spoons. The latter were unique to Brittany, asthey were foldable and often beautifully carved. Young men made them themselves or bought them to give to the young woman they wanted to marry. If she accepted the spoon, it meant she accepted themarriage proposal; if she refused it, she was letting him know her refusal in a more delicate way. The fineness of the workmanship was an indicator of the young man's skill or wealth.
Some of these spoons are breathtaking, finely carved and covered with symbols (hearts, birds, crosses, etc.).
This tradition also existed in Wales, where these spoons are calledlovespoons. However, these spoons were not foldable. They still exist today but are now more commonly given as gifts for weddings or wedding anniversaries.
Hervé Lorant is one of those wonderful people who, despite all the difficulties, work hard to keep old traditions alive, traditions that are part of their region's cultural identity. Hispassionisvery contagious,and I recommend that, if you have the opportunity, you visit him one day in the pretty little village ofLocronan, in Finistère, to support these beautiful customs yourself.
HisFacebookpage is full of wonderful examples of his talent. Take a look!
