Valentine's Day and the Lenços dos Namorados
Every year, on February 14th, the world celebrates Valentine's Day, a day dedicated to love and romance. In Portugal, this holiday holds a special significance, blending centuries-old traditions with modern elements.
Let’s dive into how the Portuguese honor love on this deeply romantic day.
The History of Valentine's Day in Portugal
The tradition of Valentine's Day in Portugal dates back several centuries, but its significant rise occurred during the 20th century. As in many countries, this celebration is associated with Saint Valentine, a 3rd-century Christian priest who became the patron saint of lovers.
Over time, Valentine's Day has become a special occasion to express feelings toward one's partner while celebrating love in all its forms—romantic, friendly, or familial.
Activities for Couples.
In addition to romantic dinners, many special activities are organized for couples on Valentine's Day in Portugal.
Concerts, artistic events, romantic movie screenings, and dance nights help create a magical atmosphere perfect for celebrating love.
Couples can even book a private cruise aboard a sailboat on the Tagus River to watch the sunset.
Beyond gifts, romantic gestures hold a significant place on Valentine's Day in Portugal. Couples express their love more openly, whether through poems, love letters, or heartfelt messages. Some even choose to solidify their commitment on this special day.
Valentine's Day Meals.
In Portugal, gastronomy plays a key role in Valentine's Day celebrations. Couples often gather in elegant restaurants to share a romantic candlelit dinner.
Special menus highlight the delights of Portuguese cuisine, such as bacalhau (salted cod) and delicious local pastries like pastéis de nata.
Valentine's day gifts.
Gift-giving is a deeply rooted tradition on Valentine's Day in Portugal. Couples exchange symbolic presents, such as jewelry, flowers, or chocolates. Red roses remain a popular choice, symbolizing passion and deep love.
The Coração de Viana, especially in its filigree form, is a cherished gift during this time.
The Valentine's Handkerchief
A unique tradition associated with Valentine's Day in Portugal is the "Valentine's Handkerchief," also known as the handkerchief of proposal, conversation handkerchief, or love handkerchief, called Lenço dos Namorados.
Originating from Vila Verde in the North of Portugal, near the Spanish border, this fine linen or cotton handkerchief, richly embroidered, reflects a strong local tradition, particularly prevalent in Viana do Castelo, Telões, Guimarães, and Aboim da Nóbrega.
The origin of these handkerchiefs dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, associated with Portuguese nobility, who adorned their clothing with lace and embroidered patterns. Young women from the village later adopted this tradition, crafting these handkerchiefs as a symbol of love and commitment.
They were given to the chosen one and served both as a token of affection and as a protective charm.
The scarves, square-shaped and embroidered with symbolic patterns, were once stitched using cross-stitch, but over time, other stitches have been added, creating unique pieces.
These handkerchiefs were publicly worn by the beloved, symbolizing the beginning of a relationship. The scarves were also adorned with inscriptions, names, and dates, adding a personal touch to this traditional craft.
However, over time, the spelling on the scarves evolved. Initially tied to phonetic errors, it became intentional in some cases, adding a nostalgic element to these handcrafted pieces.
Today, the Valentine's handkerchiefs continue to symbolize love and commitment in Portugal, blending tradition and creativity in a fabric rich with history and emotion.
Their distinctive patterns are revived by Portuguese artisans, who pay homage to this centuries-old tradition.
