When we think of Valentine's Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, mushy valentines, and winged cherubs flying about shooting starry-eyed lovers with arrows.
Every year, the fourteenth day of the month of February has millions across the world presenting their loved ones with candy, flowers, chocolates and other lovely gifts.
But did you know that the origin of Valentine's Day, or Saint Valentine's Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr?
It is not exactly known why the 14th of February is known as Valentine's Day or if the noble Valentine really had any relation to this day. The modern St. Valentine's Day celebrations are said to have been derived from both ancient Christian and Roman tradition. The fullest and earliest description of the tradition occurs in Chaucer's "Parliament of Fouls" composed around 1380. Since that time it has been traditional to connect St. Valentine's Day with love.You can read one story here:
http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm
Another story can be found here:
http://www.ethnic2020.com/MeaningofValentine.htm
Of course, there's Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day
Today, Valentine's Day is one of the major holidays in the U.S. and has become a booming commercial success. According to the Greeting Card Association, 25% of all cards sent each year are Valentines. 189 million stems of roses are sold in the U.S. on Valentine's Day.
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid.
There may be doubts regarding the actual identity of Valentine, but we know that he really existed because archaeologists have recently unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to a Saint Valentine.
On a lighter note....
Flowers. Flowers given on Valentine's Day have different meanings. Here are a few:
- Red roses are the color of passion and love.
- The yellow rose symbolizes a deep friendship.
- The white rose can also be a symbol of remembrance for a loved one lost.
- Pink roses are a great way to say that you are interested in someone without being over bearing.
- Peach roses speak of appreciation and gratitude.
- White Roses + Yellow Roses are a symbol of harmony.
- Red Roses & Yellow Roses sends a message of happiness and celebration.
- Red Roses & White Roses shows an indication of bonding and harmony.
- Orange roses are the symbol of passion and attraction.
- The lavender rose is usually used to express that feeling of seeing someone and having a love at first sight moment.
- Single Red Rose means, "I love you".
- Single Rose Any Color is an, "I thank you".
- Two Roses Entwined is foreshadowing of an engagement or marriage is imminent.
- Regardless of the original color, dead roses say "It's over" loud and clear.
- Diamond – fidelity, love, commitment, trust in relationships
- Moonstone – love, new beginnings, good fortune in love
- Sapphire – wisdom stone, brings lightness, joy, and peace of mind
- Pearl – innocence, sincerity
- Blue Topaz – truth, wisdom, clear communication
- Ruby – passion, zest for life, joy, laughter, courage
- Amethyst – powerful protection, transmutes negative energy into love
- Aquamarine – courage, tolerance of others, protective in pregnancy
- Garnet – brings serenity and passion as appropriate, love and devotion
- Peridot – alleviates jealousy, opens heart to joy and new relationships
- Quartz – amplifies and balances energy or thought
- Topaz – known as the stone of love and good fortune. It brings joy, and promotes forgiveness and truth.
Other Valentine's gifts:
- Men typically get lingerie for women if they want them to feel sexy.
- Perfume is intimate. It means I’m going to be smelling you for a while.
- A heart-shaped box of chocolates is for your grandmother, your sixth-grade teacher, or a friend.
- Bath gel, lotion sets means that he thinks girls are soft and pretty and smell good but are also mysterious and need special potions to get that way.
- You get your girlfriend a massage because you want her to slow down, stop worrying and take a minute for herself.
- Nothing fosters romance more than a weekend away. Men will typically give plane tickets or even a night at a hotel somewhere nearby when you’re in the first phases of a somewhat serious relationship.
In conclusion, no matter if you are coupled, or single... Celebrate Valentine's by giving cards, chocolates, going out to dinner, or staying home with a good book... I hope all my friends out there have a wonderful February 14th!
Thanks for reading my thoughts! <3
House-Wise
"Make yourself at home"
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