In the heart of Minho, love took shape on linen cloth, through symbols, folk rhymes and promises embroidered by hand.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Saint Valentine’s Day
Before likes… there were handkerchiefs.
In Minho, young women embroidered their feelings onto linen or cotton cloth. Every stitch was a declaration of love.
Verses, drawings and symbols spoke on their behalf. Love, longing, promise… all made by hand.
If the young man wore the handkerchief in public… the relationship was confirmed. If he returned it… well… it was the 18th-century version of “seen and not replied”.
The mistakes? They were part of the charm. Proof of a popular, sincere love without automatic correction.
The handkerchief was worn with pride. On the body, at festivities, in the streets. A love visible to everyone.
On this day, speaking about Lenços dos Namorados is remembering a time when loving meant embroidering what one felt.
Text, Image & Editing
Gabriel Motta
Other Articles
Generic
