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The Portuguese costume is traditionally complemented with gold jewelry.
In addition to the most famous, iconic decoration - Viana's heart, there is another equally interesting decoration - Viana's beads.
Gold beads have been known since ancient times among different peoples.
Viana's Portuguese beads are made of small ornate beads with filigree designs.
The beads are hollow inside, very light, and therefore economical, which made them the main treasure of the Portuguese people.
Traditionally, beads are created by craftsmen from the town of Póvoa de Lanhoso.
Viana beads mean symbols of protection and good luck.
Usually the godmother gave the first bead to her goddaughter at baptism.
Then, over the years, girls received beads as gifts for birthdays, communions, and other important occasions.
The beads were strung on a wool or cotton cord.
The number of beads in the decoration varied from year to year. There is no fixed number of beads when a necklace is considered complete.
The girls bought bead after bead with their few savings, proceeds from the sale of a dozen eggs or a chicken, in order to wear the necklace on their wedding day as a symbol of protection and good luck in the future.
Beads were always worn with a pendant, often with a cross.
In addition to the most famous, iconic decoration - Viana's heart, there is another equally interesting decoration - Viana's beads.
Gold beads have been known since ancient times among different peoples.
Viana's Portuguese beads are made of small ornate beads with filigree designs.
The beads are hollow inside, very light, and therefore economical, which made them the main treasure of the Portuguese people.
Traditionally, beads are created by craftsmen from the town of Póvoa de Lanhoso.
Viana beads mean symbols of protection and good luck.
Usually the godmother gave the first bead to her goddaughter at baptism.
Then, over the years, girls received beads as gifts for birthdays, communions, and other important occasions.
The beads were strung on a wool or cotton cord.
The number of beads in the decoration varied from year to year. There is no fixed number of beads when a necklace is considered complete.
The girls bought bead after bead with their few savings, proceeds from the sale of a dozen eggs or a chicken, in order to wear the necklace on their wedding day as a symbol of protection and good luck in the future.
Beads were always worn with a pendant, often with a cross.
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