Istres is a land with a simultaneous homogeny and diversity that intermingles in strange ways. For example, the widespread practice of token exchange. The whole land adopts the custom, and the whole land takes the custom very seriously. I’ve noticed even vagabonds hesitate to use a token as a form of disguise, preferring to be unattached even in hiding.
Across every class, every demographic, love-gifts are traded. The variance depends on the region.
The 林, or Lín, practices the tradition with handmade gifts, similar to the Boyoman practice of creating necklaces as a wedding present. They weave bracelets and cuffs, some decorating the jewelry with symbols or lively displays of glass beads. It’s made with a weaving technique unique to the region, and quite beautiful.
Elsewhere, Istrians exchange meaningful trinkets to be worn on the body and displayed. Most lovers will give something that represents a part of themselves, and often the styles clash enough that when one spots a person wearing a token, the object is immediately distinguishable. The practice is so widespread that it may even serve as proof of a relationship in establishments with strict propriety.
Of course, lovers may present additional tokens or replace older ones as time wears on. It isn’t uncommon to see closer couples wearing two, three, even five tokens all at once, and if the pair have children, they may even present a child’s token made with the misguided attempts at bonding.
The monetary value of tokens vary wildly as well. I have observed bits of string used as a token and I’ve seen jewels as large as my palm weighing heavily on a noble’s neck. […]
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