The humble wooden spoon. Or is it? In the English speaking tradition, we have come to regard the wooden spoon as something so common, so cheap, and ordinary that it is commonly given as a real or notional prize for losers.

Above: A Really Big Loser

However, perhaps there is more to it than that. As that great fount of knowledge wikipedia tells us the wooden spoon is not merely a “spoon made of wood commonly used in food preparation” but also has a darker underside: in soap making and discipline. LINK

The Japanese (themselves great lovers of soap and discipline), seem to have a greater understanding of the respect that is due the wooden spoon. Even a little wooden scoop you get with a tub of ice cream is accorded the accolade of  スペシャル or “special”:

Spoons that come with Okinawa’s Blue Seal ice cream are not merely “good” they are…

...better than good!

And these spoons from my local Fresco, are not designed for any old blue-collar riff-raff. Oh no! Behold and esteem!

The High Class Wooden Spoon!