Valentine's Day Under the Lens

Did you know? Valentine's Day was not always the love fest it is today. It was actually the martyrdom day of Saint Valentine, a fearless Christian priest who had dared to take on the might of the Roman Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century A.D.

Believing his soldiers to be more loyal towards their families rather than to the emperor, Claudius II ordered a ban on all marriages and nullified the existing ones. Saint Valentine became the saviour for these hapless men and women, secretly marrying hundred of them before his act was detected by the emperor. Valentine was thrown in jail and was to be executed on 14 February 1929. In jail, he became friendly with the gaol keeper's daughter. It was to her that he penned his farewell note signed, 'from your valentine'.

Valentine's Day celebrations without exchanging cards is simply unthinkable. But, how did this custom come about? It was none other than the Patron Saint of this day, Saint Valentine himself, who sent the first 'valentine'! However, the earliest Valentine Card as we know it today is believed to be the one sent by the Duke of Orleans, who wrote to his wife while being imprisoned at the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

Giving cards, exchanging gifts and love tokens, and many other interesting traditions have ruled Valentine's Day celebrations down the centuries. Superstitious beliefs have added their own colour while birds share an intimate connection with Valentine's Day. Learn how these and other quaint traditions went on to become so popular.

1. In Wales, carved wooden spoons, embellished with motifs of hearts, keys and keyholes were offered as gifts on 14th February.

2. A woman would marry a sailor if she saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day. A sparrow meant the man she would marry would not be rich.

Read more about such quaint traditions and superstitions at More Traditions of Valentine's Day

Of course, the modern tradition is to give her Valentines Day gifts. Discover more about choosing Valentine's Day gifts at our new lens - see below...

The first symbol that comes to mind is cherubic Cupid, with his quiver full of arrows which he shoots into the hearts of unsuspecting young men and women! There are many others like hearts, doves, love knots and lace.

Those in love are often known to attempt impossible feats that defy both, logic and gravity! Couples have made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for some truly astonishing feats - a few of them achieved on Valentine's Day.

1. 34 couples from 22 countries simultaneously exchanged wedding vows some 10 metres (32.8 ft) underwater near Kradan Island, Southern Thailand on 14 February 2001 (Valentine's Day).

2. Guess how many people participated in the largest ever simultaneous lip-lock? 6,980 couples (13,960 participants) at an event organized by Radio Kameleon in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 September 2007.

Find out more such astonishing facts at Valentine's Day and Guinness Records

Flowers have always been an eloquent medium when it comes to speaking the language of love. But even they have their hierarchies! Ever wondered why the rose has been singled out as the classic flower of love and romance? Even its different colours have a significance. The rose is now almost mandatory on Valentine's Day.

There probably isn't a corner on the globe where Valentine's Day isn't celebrated. While people may be unaware of specific customs and festivals of another country, the one thing that everyone knows is Valentine's Day. And, the traditions and customs of each country have imbued this day with their own colour and flair.

1. It is the women who give chocolates to the men in their lives on Valentine's Day in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea
2. Basket hampers assume great significance in Portugal on Valentine's Day

Learn more about how the rest of the world celebrates Valentine's Day at Valentine's Day Around The World

So what if your wallet is not bursting at the seams? You can still sweep her off her feet with some creative and innovative ideas:

1. Take her for a romantic walk. It is free and healthy!
2. Forget the usual store-bought card and make one for her instead
3. Pamper her silly - get her breakfast in bed, with a single red rose on the tray

See many more such great ways to make Valentine's Day special for your sweetheart at this page:
Low Cost Valentine's Day Romantic Ideas

Be thoughtful, original and innovative. How? Like this:

1. Chocolates are probably her weakness but don't let it be yours as well. Write a personalised poem for her. How sweet is that!
2. You can't go wrong with exclusive designer jewellery. It also makes her feel super special.
3. Immortalise your love on canvas with a contemporary pop art canvas.

For more such ideas, go to this Valentine's Day Tip Sheet

With recession still cramping your romantic style, this is the time to put on your thinking cap and come up with some super cash-less ideas.

1. Let her have a long lie in this day. She probably gets up at the crack of dawn on week days and this unexpected luxury will be welcomed.
2. Create a romantic ambiance for the evening and don your apron. That's right, you are the chef tonight! Cook her favourite dish (or dishes!) and see her smile.
3. Give her a long, relaxing massage. Set the mood with soft lights and scented candles and get ready to reap rich dividends!

Many more such ideas can be found in this article
Free Valentine's Day Itinerary

Still single on Valentine's Day? Even if it feels like the end of the world, it isn't really. Don't shrink from your own company. There's plenty you can do to enliven things on Valentine's Day. Mingle with other singles, revamp your wardrobe, pamper yourself...tons of things.

Here are three ideas anyone can follow:

1. Put pen to paper! When was the last time you wrote a love letter? Not since you were at school probably. Well, guess what -- a surprise love letter or card is much more romantic than a phone call!



2. Use the element of surprise -- that's what romance is all about. For men who can't think in terms of romance, think about "nice surprises" for her instead. Whatever they may be, she will find the thought of you thinking about her very romantic.



3. Break a routine. Romance and routine are not great bedfellows. Routine is dull, predictable. Romance is surprising and eventful. Don't let your relationship sink into a grinding routine. Shake things up a bit: deliberately change at least one routine once a week!

Get more great tips like these on how to be romantic - not just on Valentine's Day but for the rest of the year as well at http://www.new-romantic-you.co.uk/