In twelfth-century French courtly literature, the giving of a love token symbolizes the figurative giving of oneself. Such tokens, often emblems of love, serve as physical substitutes for the sender’s body, allowing affection to be expressed even when words are insufficient. In Cligés by Chrétien de Troyes, Alixandre and Soredamor struggle to express their love openly. To bridge this gap, the queen gives Alixandre a chemise, into which Soredamor sews one of her hairs. This chemise not only represents their unspoken love but also brings them metaphorically closer. It is significant that the chemise is something Alixandre will wear, and that it is crafted by Soredamor’s hand, embodying her effort and affection.
