Lenços dos Namorados

The origin of “Lenços dos Namorados”, translate to English “Valentine Handkerchief”, the embroideries from Portuguese region Minho, back to the XVII and XVIII centuries. They were made on linen cloth or cotton, for women on wedding age. It was a habit to the woman in love, embroider her own handkerchief and give it to her loved one. After been made, the handkerchief should be given to the loved one, that should wear in public, to show that he had accepted the relationship. Traditionally, the man should put his handkerchief on his coat, his neck with a knot facing forwards, or in his hat.

The handkerchief represented how the woman felt about the man, and they had love messages, with misspelled words, symbols that represent loyalty, dedication and friendship. There are a vast symbology, for example, a rose represent a woman, a heart is love, the lilies symbolize virginity, the red gillyflower is synonymous of provocation, and the lovebirds means the valentines.

As “lenços dos namorados” are a fundamental icon of Portuguese culture and have a really rich graphic aspect, I decided explore them. I thought to do a contemporary approach to the graphic language of this handkerchief through the translation of their traditional look.

During my research, I found some current objects, like cups, necklaces, bracelets, pins, that quote these embroideries. But, I noticed that all objects are done to mimic “lenços dos namorados” graphic language, in other words, it is applied photography of the embroidery in the objects.

 

My idea consists in a translation of those embroidery, for end result that make sense in the present, like pins, t-shirts, necklaces, bracelets, notebooks, agendas, etc. Basically, what I want to translate is all the traditional concept, but base it in a representation and medium that makes more sense in our days.

During the brainstorming process, I thought to do some little stamps, with different elements, symbols and words that appear in “Lenços dos Namorados”. So, each person can “embroider” his/her own “scarf” to offer to his/her significant other.