Valentine’s Day

February is the month that every girl or woman looks forward to every year. They want to be pampered and lavished with gifts and love. It is the month in which Valentine’s Day falls. I’ve always been a girlie girl and LOVED Valentine’s day. Although I try to play it off and say, it’s “no big deal”. I don’t need another box of chocolates or flowers that will just die in a few days. But, the truth is, I really DO want that card, or box of chocolates or those beautiful flowers. Even if they do come from the grocery store at the last minute. It is the thought that counts. And I want to be thought of on Valentine’s Day!!

Valentine's Day

Do you ever wonder HOW Valentine’s Day got it’s start?

Valentine’s Day is set day on the day on the calendar. Meaning, it is always February 14th, EVERY YEAR! In ancient Roman times, they simply lumped it into a mid-February holiday. That holiday was called Lupercalia, which celebrated fertility, and may have included a ritual in which men and women were paired off by choosing names from a jar. Some historians believe this could have led to Valentine’s Day being all about love. In Ancient Greece, people observed a mid-winter celebration for the marriage of the god Zeus and the goddess Hera. So, here we have other historical cultures “celebrating” acts of LOVE. Why wouldn’t we just associate Valentine’s Day with love? Think about it!

Who was Saint Valentine? (And what does he have to do with chocolate hearts?)

Not much, as it turns out. St. Valentine’s Day was a feast day in the Catholic religion. The day was for martyred saints named—you guessed it—Valentine. The differing legends celebrate three different saints by the name of Valentine or Valentinus, but since we know very little about these men and there are conflicting reports of the St. Valentine Day story, the feast day is no longer on the Christian liturgical calendar.

But even though we do not know much about the real history of the actual Saint Valentine that we base our current holiday festivities, the legend of Saint Valentine has several tellings. One legend says that Saint Valentine refused to convert to paganism and was executed by Roman Emperor Claudius II. Really? Paganism? BUT…the story continues. Before his execution, he was able to miraculously heal the daughter of his jailer, who then decides to Christianity is the way to go (WHEW) along with his entire family! Another legend says a bishop called Saint Valentine of Terni is the true namesake of the holiday; this Saint Valentine was also executed….we are, at the writing of this article, unsure of the reason for his execution.

After more research, more people are certain that THIS is how Saint Valentine became affiliated with a love-focused holiday! Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who performed weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry, because of a Roman emperor’s edict decreeing married soldiers did not make good warriors and thus young men could not marry. WHAT, not marry, before war? That’s crazy! What about declaring your undying love to your soulmate because you may not return…kind crazy, RIGHT?? This Saint Valentine wore a ring with a Cupid on it—a symbol of love—that helped soldiers recognize him. And, in a precursor to greeting cards, he handed out paper hearts to remind Christians of their love for God.

Patron Saint of Love…..

Because of this legend, Saint Valentine became known as the patron saint of love. The Saint Valentine prayer asks Saint Valentine to connect lovers together, so that two become one, and the couple remembers their devotion to God.

Valentine's Day

While the Saint Valentine story set the groundwork for establishing the day as a holiday for romantic love, what truly solidified the connection between Saint Valentine and love was a poem by medieval author Geoffrey Chaucer in 1381, “The Parliament of Fowls”, which historians consider the origin of the “modern” celebration of Valentine’s Day, where we celebrate our romantic partnership with one other person.

What is the meaning of Valentine’s Day?

Over the years (and centuries), Valentine’s Day has been a religious celebration, an ancient ritual day, and a commercial holiday. All that change means the meaning of Valentine’s Day is truly whatever you want it to be: You can skip the celebrations completely, buy yourself some chocolate or flowers, or express your love and appreciation for the people in your life, whether they’re co-workers, romantic partners, friends, or family members. The point to Valentine’s Day is to simply celebrate LOVE!

SO MANY GIFTS IDEAS TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY LOVE!

Celebrate with fine wine!

Valentine's Day WIne

There will be lots of celebrating during this month as lots of people want to have a memorable, special time. Wine is always a good start to an evening together. You can order your favorite fine wines here and have them delivered to your door. Why not order early enough to plan a great night together? While you are in the process, check out ways you can get free wine every month! You will be glad you did!!

Cosmetics

Cosmetics

Every girl (and some guys) likes to get their make-up all done for Valentine’s day. If you want to find some of the very finest cosmetics and specialty items, this is the place!  Order early to have it before Valentine’s Day so she can try it out. You will surely be happy with the effects and so will she!

Exquisite Lingerie

Maybe you would like to just spice things up for your Valentine with new lingerie that will please both you and your partner. We can all use a little renewed excitement in our lives. This might be just the thing for you to have the best Valentine’s Day yet. I don’t want to leave any possibilities out of the suggestions here. You will find something that will please you AND your Valentine!

Fine Jewelry

Fine Jewelry for Valentine's day

Now, just in time for Valentine’s Day you have the opportunity to impress the love of your life. Don’t mess this up!! You don’t have to drive to New York, San Francisco or Atlanta to have fine jewelry. Do your shopping right from the comfort of your couch!

Chocolates are ALWAYS a MUST!!

Celebrate with Valentine's Day Chocolates

I have to admit that one of my weaknesses when it comes to dieting is chocolate. You might say I’m a chocoholic. If you find that your Valentine has the same weakness then be sure to get her the very best chocolate. AND get double your order for free without having to enter any code. What’s not to love about that?