Romantic Trivia and Love Lore

X's and O's--Walking with a Lady--and Spooning

How did X's and O's come to represent hugs and kisses? The common custom of placing X's on envelopes, notes and at the bottom of letters to mean kisses dates back to Medeival ages, when a cross was drawn on documents or letters to mean sincerity and honesty. A kiss was then placed upon the cross, by the signer as a display of their of their sworn oath. It was also used in early Christian history as much of a display of the same. Since most of the common people were unable to read or write, the 'X" was placed on documents, and a kiss placed upon it as a show of their sincerity, gradually, as it was used so often, the cross was hurried drawn and often resembled an "X". The "O" is of North American descent, no one really seems to know how it was started. It has been said that when arriving to the US, Jewish immigrants would use an "O" on documents, not using the sign of the cross, and shop keepers would often use an "O" when signing documents, in place of an "X". Perhaps now it is used as the "O" being rounded represents arms encircling another, as in an embrace.

Why do couples walk with the gentleman on the left and the lady on the right? The early male often had to defend his lady from would-be kidnappers, or assault by other males, so she stood or walked to his left, leaving his sword-arm free in defense of her honor, just in case. This was also done when out walking on the street, as garbage was often thrown to the street through open windows. The gentleman walking next to the street would "protect" her from thusly being covered in the offending garbage. In another scenario, it would also keep mud and offal from passing carriages from splattering and ruining a lady's attire.

The term "spooning" was coined by men of Wales in the 1700's.. When desirous of a lady's affection and hand, he would send an elaborately carved wooden spoon as a token of his affections-intentions to her. These spoons were often decorated with the carving of hearts, keys and flowers. If she accepted and returned his affections and-or offer of marriage, she would wear the spoon on a ribbon around her neck, or displayed from her window. Perhaps this term for romancing or courting a lady can also be attributed to the shape of a spoon and how they nestle closely together, as lovers often do.

Love Knots, Sadie Hawkins and Claddagh Rings

A "lover's (love) knot" comes to us from the Middle East, as it was customary for messages of love from young ladies to be sent to their young men, woven into rugs through the knots. Young ladies were not allowed to address young men, so this was a means of communication between lovers. Another origin of the love knot can be found here.

Sadie Hawkins Day-Dance is not an official holiday, but before the Women's movement, it did permit a woman to let a man know of her interest and allow her to ask him out. *S* The best origin of Sadie Hawkins is found at the official website from her artist and creator.

What do the symbols on an Irish "Claddagh" ring mean? The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish wedding ring, the hands symbolizing faith, the crown meaning honor and the heart meaning love. If the hands are pointing outward on the ring, the woman is single, facing inward as in holding the heart, she is married. Still another legend tells us, that if one wears the ring on the right hand, the crown turned inward, the world may see the heart as unoccupied, the wearer being single. When the crown is turned outward, love is being considered. When worn on the left hand, with crown turned outward, two loves have become inseparable.

Ducks and Geese are symbolic through many Asian cultures as symbols of love and fidelity as these birds mate for life. Often a mated pair is given as an engagement or wedding gift to the families and to the bride and groom themselves.