Marriage Proposals Around the World: Traditions and Trends
In the 1800’s, a gentleman who desired to propose to a lady sent her a pair of gloves signifying his intentions. Then he had to wait until the following Sunday to see if the lady wore these gloves to church. If she did, the proposal was considered to be accepted and further arrangements could be made.
In Wales, the gloves were substituted with a wooden spoon carved by a man looking to propose. If his loved one accepted the wedding proposal (and liked the spoon), she showed it by wearing the piece of cutlery on a ribbon around her neck.