Viana Accounts - What is their history and meaning?

Viana beads are one of the oldest traditions in Portuguese culture, especially in the Minho region. The tradition dates back to the 19th century, when these accessories began to be used in jewelry and adornments to complete the famous Viana costume. Discover, in this article, the history behind this famous traditional Portuguese accessory, as well as its meaning.

The first beads were made of simple materials like glass or stone, and only later did silver and gold begin to be used in their composition. History has it that it was godmothers who offered the first Viana beads to young women for protection and good luck. From then on, with the ambition of completing a necklace of Viana beads, the young women added them one by one throughout their lives with the money they could save.

Nowadays, this type of accessory is no longer used exclusively in the Minho region and is now seen by many as a fashion accessory.

Although several different designs of Viana beads have appeared over the years, their spherical, hollow, and lightweight shape remains to this day, with only the granulation and filigree technique used to adorn them varying.

Discover our collection of jewelry with Viana beads below: