Since I first designed and made this box for my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary it has become one of our most popular designs. It makes a unique wedding gift, perfect for preserving your mementos of the day and the rest of your life. This is essentially a family history box which can be passed on to future generations. This box is also popular with those wishing to celebrate special anniversaries, retirements and birthdays.

The front design of this box features a quatrefoil motif, popular in the West Country. This is made up of four daffodils surrounded by four oak leaves intertwined with each other. In the centre is a relief carved panel containing your personal details. This is usually both partner's initials and the date of your union. However we have made boxes with just dates or just initials.

All these components have their own meanings and symbolism as discussed below.

In the centre of each quatrefoil resides a host of golden daffodils, a symbol of rebirth, and a sign of the new beginnings that come with spring. They bring good fortune to those that avoid trampling on them! For the most part daffodils signify unrequited love and chivalry.

 

Surrounding the daffodils are oak leaves, symbols of strength, eternity and honour. The oak tree was the tree of life and fertility in ancient times and was worshiped by the druids, the “men of oak”.

In the centre piece is a tulip, a symbol of fame and of the perfect lover. The gift of a red tulip is a declaration of love. This originates from Oriental legend about a Persian youth, named Ferhad who fell in love with a maiden named Shirin. When Shirin did not accept Ferhad’s feelings for her, he went out into the desert to die from his broken heart. As he pined, each tear that fell into the sand turned into a beautiful tulip.