History, Traditions, How to Guide, Gift Ideas
The history of Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Traditions, Poems, Quotes, Great Valentine's Day Ideas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, How to have the perfect date.
Valentine's Day - a day of love and romance
Valentine's Day is celebrated February 14 with loved ones exchanging flowers, cards, candy and jewelry.
Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honor Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses.The roots of St. Valentine's Day come from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia which was celebrated on February 15. On Lupercalia, young women would put their names into a large urn to picked by young men and then they would be romantically linked for a year.
Pope Gelasius I was not thrilled with this custom. So he changed the lottery to have both young men and women draw the names of saints whom they would then emulate for the year. Instead of Lupercus, the patron of the feast became Valentine. The day continued to be an occasion to seek the affections of women, and it became a tradition to give out handwritten messages of admiration that included Valentine's name.
Legend has it that Charles, duke of Orleans, sent the first real Valentine card to his wife in 1415, when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. (He, however, was not beheaded, and died a half-century later of old age.)
Still other legends cite the fact that February 14 marked the date when birds began mating.
The first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romance was " Parlement of Foules " in 1382 by Geoffrey Chauncer.
" For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan every bryd comyth there to chese ( choose ) his make ( mate).
The poem was written in honor of the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia.
(Valentine's Day is February 14, 2009)
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Gorgeous Jewelry for Valentine's Day Gifts
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Diamond, Topaz and Peridot Pendant Necklace
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Who is Saint Valentine ?
How did St. Valentine become associated with love and romance ?
At least three Christian martyrs are named Valentine, some believe that they, or at least two of them may have been the same person.One legend is that Valentine was a Roman priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers married men, he outlawed marriage for young men.
Valentine who thought of this decree as a grievous injustice continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Another is that a Roman named Valentine was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D.
Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine".
Romantic Cards for Valentine's Day
Wonderful Handmade Cards to send to Your Valentine
- Crafty Fox
- We have a wide range of greeting cards, from simple to elegant, and including birthday, engagement, wedding, anniversary and more...
Valentine's Stay at Home Date
Rent a Movie or Two from Netflix and Cozy up on the Couch
- 001- The Notebook
Two young lovers (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) are torn apart by war and class differences in th...- 002- P.S. I Love You
When she loses her beloved husband Gerry (Gerard Butler) to a brain tumor, grieving widow Holly Kenn...- 003- Twilight
When Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) moves to a small town in the Pacific Northwest to live with her fa...- 004- The Lake House
Speed co-stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reteam for romance in director Alejandro Agresti's re...- 005- Hitch
Smooth and sexy Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith) is the master of seduction in this charming roman...- Try Netflix free for 14 days
Modern Valentine's Day
Valentine's Cards, Gifts, Love Notes
The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.The first mass-produced valentines were produced and sold shortly after 1847 by Ester Howard of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Her father operated a large book and stationery store, and she took her inspiration from an English valentine she had received.
The Greeting card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-selling holiday of the year, right after Christmas.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States, usually from a man to a woman. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates.
In the 1980's the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewelry.
Romantic Movies For Valentine's Day
Check them out on Amazon
The Notebook (New Line Platinum Series)
Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 12/31/2009) 
Doctor Zhivago (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/31/2009)
Sleepless in Seattle (10th Anniversary Edition)
Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 12/31/2009)
Breakfast at Tiffany's - Anniversary Edition
Amazon Price: (as of 12/31/2009)
An Affair to Remember
Amazon Price: $14.98 (as of 12/31/2009)
Valentine's Day Tips
Guide to Love Letters
A few pointers on writing love letters and or personal messages in Valentine's cards
- Make it personal.
- Let the words come from your heart.
- Include why you love them and how they make your world brighter, just by being in it.
- Express your gratitude for them being in your life
- Be affectionate and loving.
- Let them know your love for them will never fade and that you will always be there.
- Send it by snail mail or hand deliver it and handwrite it.
- Whatever you write... make sure you are truthful.
Romantic Music for Valentine's Day
from Amazon
Romance: Songs From the Heart
Amazon Price: $11.97 (as of 12/31/2009)
City Of Angels: Music From The Motion Picture
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 12/31/2009)
Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn
Amazon Price: $25.99 (as of 12/31/2009)
Spanish Love Songs
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 12/31/2009)
Lifetime of Romance set
Amazon Price: $119.98 (as of 12/31/2009)
Check out your Love and Romance Horoscope
The Perfect Valentine's Date
Planning is the key to having the most romantic Valentine's date with your sweetheart.
Take a few moments to really remember why you and your partner celebrate this holiday. Do you use it as a way to reconnect? Is it a relationship New Year for you both? Or, is simply a way to remind your partner how much you do love and adore them?
Your Date's Interests
Is he / she a romance and flowers type, an energet more...2 points
Plan Your Date
By know you should already know the time frame and more...0 points
Relax and Enjoy
You've done the planning for a wonderful Valentine more...0 points
Valentine's Gift Ideas For Her
Please Vote Your Favorites and Add Your Gift Ideas
A Romantic Weekend Away
A get-away at a Bed and Breakfast, without the kid more...1 point
Heart Pendants
Heart Pendants are wonderful gifts for Valentine' more...0 points
Other Jewelry
Ring, Earrings, Wristwatch - Again rubies and diam more...0 points
XperienceDays.com
If money is no object they offer experiences from more...0 points
A Personalized Gift
There are lots of places where you can make person more...0 points
Valentine's Day Gifts for Him
Vote Your Favorites and Feel Free to add any of Your Own Suggestions
Concert or Sporting Event Tickets
or Certificate for golf fees, hunting club fees et more...0 points
XperienceDays.com
If money is no object they offer Helicopter flight more...0 points
Valentine's Day Around the World
And Other days of love and romance
- Norfolk, United Kingdom a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.
- In Wales many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St.Dwynwen's Day) on January 25 instead of or as well as St Valentine's Day. The day commemorates the patron saint of Welsh lovers.
- In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine's Day is known simply as " Saint Valentin", and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries.
- In Denmark and Norway Valentine's Day February 14 is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but some people take time to be romantic with their partner, or send a card to a secret love.
- In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts' Day") and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry. and due to influence of American culture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are second only to those for Mother's Day.
- In Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day". This day is more about remembering your friends than your loved ones.
- In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots," so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. Valentine's Day has been celebrated as the day when the first works in the vineyards and on the fields commence. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day. Nevertheless, it has only recently been celebrated as the day of love. The day of love is traditionally March 12, St Gregory's day. Another proverb says "Valentin - prvi spomladin" ("Valentine - first saint of spring"), as in some places St Valentine marks the beginning of spring.
- In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, ( dear love) February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore.. In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine's Day, despite already having Dragobete as a traditional holiday. Some Romanians condemn Valentine's Day for being superficial, commercialist and imported Western kitsch.
- According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of the month of Av (usually late August) is the festival of love . In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them.. In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day to pronounce love, propose marriage and give gifts like cards or flowers.
- In Turkey, Valentine's Day is called Sevgililer Günü which translates into "Sweet Hearts Day".
- In Iran, Sepandarmazgan is a day for love, which is the Gregorian calendar is February 17.
- In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados ( "Day of the enamored", or "Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day") is celebrated on June 12, when couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets. This day was chosen probably because it is the day before the Saint Anthony's day, known there as the marriage saint, when many single women perform popular rituals, called simpatias, in order to find a good husband or a boyfriend.
- In Columbia, the DÃa del amor y la amistad ( "Love and Friendship Day") is celebrated on the third Friday and Saturday in September. In this country the Amigo secreto ("Secret friend") tradition is quite popular, which consists of randomly assigning to each participant a recipient who is to be given an anonymous gift.
- Thanks to a concentrated marketing effort, Valentine's Day has emerged in Japan and Korea, a day on which women, and less commonly men, give candy, chocolate or flowers. It has become an obligation for many women to give chocolates to all male co-workers. By a further marketing effort, a reciprocal day called White Day has emerged. On March 14, men are expected to return the favor to those who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day. Originally, the return gift was supposed to be white chocolate or marshmallows; hence "White Day". However, lingerie and jewelry have become common gifts.
- In South Korea, there is also Pepero Day, celebrated on November 11, when young couples give each other romantic gifts. There is an additional day for single people, Black Day, celebrated on April 14.
- In Chinese culture, there is a counterpart to Valentine's Day, called "The Night of Sevens".Legend has it that the Cowherd and the Weaver Maid meet in Heaven on the 7th day of the 7th month. A slightly different version of this day is celebrated in Japan as Tanabata, on July 7th of the solar calendar.
Valentine's Day Gifts
More Wonderful Romantic Gifts
Spa Treatments
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/31/2009)
Leonidas Belgian Chocolates: Valentine's Day Velvet Heart
Amazon Price: (as of 12/31/2009)
My Funny Valentine
Valentine's Day Jokes and Riddles
Silly riddles and one liner's for your Valentine. Add some of your own and vote Your Favorite Valentine Jokes and riddles
Valentine's Day Gifts
Gifts for Every Budget
Rival CFF5-CHP Chocolate Fountain
Amazon Price: (as of 12/31/2009)
Sweetheart Teddy Bear
Amazon Price: (as of 12/31/2009)
Deluxe and Decadent All Chocolate Sampler Chest - Gourmet Food Gift Basket
Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 12/31/2009)
Beautiful By Estee Lauder For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 2.5 Ounces
Amazon Price: $60.11 (as of 12/31/2009)
Romance Perfume By Ralph Lauren 3.4 Oz EDP
Amazon Price: (as of 12/31/2009)
Valentine's Day Poetry
A Sampling of Classic Romantic Love Poems
Sonnets from the Portuguese 43: How Do I Love TheeHow do I love thee? Let me count the ways
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight.
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
A Red, Red Rose
O my luve's like a red, red rose.
That's newly sprung in June;
O my luve's like a melodie
That's sweetly play'd in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will love thee still, my Dear,
Till a'the seas gang dry.
Till a' the seas gang dry, my Dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun:
I will luve thee still, my Dear,
While the sands o'life shall run.
And fare thee weel my only Luve!
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho' it were ten thousand mile!
- Robert Burns
O Mistress Mine
O Mistress mine, where are you roaming?
O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,
That can sing both high and low:
Trip no further, pretty sweeting;
Journeys end in lovers meeting,
Every wise man's son doth know.
What is love? 'Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What's to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies not plenty;
Then, come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth's a stuff will not endure.
- William Shakespeare
Love's Philosophy
The fountains mingle with the river,
And the rivers with the ocean;
The winds of heaven mix forever,
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one another's being mingle;--
Why not I with thine?
See! the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister flower would be forgiven,
If it disdained it's brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;--
What are all these kissings worth,
If thou kiss not me?
- Percy Bysshe Shelley
News about Valentine's Day
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- Nina Ricci N029 Valentine's Day Watch
- Swiss watch maker Nina Ricci presents an interesting timepiece for Valentine's Day 2010. This sporty...
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