I am exploring the history of various celebrations this year and wanted to research Valentines Day as well! I looked all over the internet and found this quick review thanks to Wikipedia:
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs, Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
So, who is your Valentine this year? If you are sharing this day with someone, it is nice to take the time to do something special for them. Think about what they like. I have always felt that the finest gifts are those that are from the heart and are experienced by the recipient. Meaning, instead of an expensive new purse, consider putting together a wine tasting and food paring experiment for your special someone. Purchase 5 different wines and some complemtary side dishes that help the wines be fully appreciated. Set the scene with nice wine glasses, a single bud vase with a beautiful fresh flower from you (or your neighbors) garden. Put their favorite music on and ...the night is yours.
Single? Celebrate by yourself and the love you share for yourself. It's important to take time for yourself too! Treat yourself to what you love most. If you love ice cream..then pick up your favorite flavors, scoop it up into a nice bowl (tonight is not the night to be on that diet), turn on a great movie and ..the night is yours.
