Portuguese "Love Handkerchief" Design Twin Mugs Set of 2 In Matching Gift Box

Portuguese "Love Handkerchief" Design Twin Mugs Set of 2 In Matching Gift Box - Never Used - Gift for Lover or Friend: This is a gift set of two colorful and unusual mugs from Portugal - new in a matching gift box. They are 3.5 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide including the heart-shaped handles. The copyrights are "Gift Souvenirs Portugal" and marked "Authentic Design". They are designed to nest together along the ribbed sides. (The box was wrapped in clear plastic but I had to remove it to photograph.) Please read the history of these unique items as follows: The colorful and unusual mugs are based on the history of the Love Handkerchiefs of the Minho region of Northern Portugal. You can find these delightful pieces, or products inspired by them, in most souvenir shops in Portugal. The tradition of embroidering handkerchiefs with messages of devotion originated in the 17th century among aristocrats but by the 18th century it had been adapted into this courtship ritual and become part of popular culture. The designs became more colorful and the handkerchiefs were bright, cheerful and pretty. Once a girl reached marriageable age and had set her sights on a young man, she would embroider a handkerchief of love especially for him. The designs she chose were symbols of romance and their future relationship and she would usually embroider a written message or poem declaring her affections for her intended.