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St Valentine's Day

Well the day of love is nearly upon us, but how many of you have actually wondered about the tradition of this special day for lovers?

Today I would love to share some of the history behind this special day, but be mindful, history is full of stories and legends, open interpretation, so here is one of the legends...


Picture of a 3d red heard nestled among pink hearts representing Valentines day. bric hearts representing

Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day, is a holiday celebrated annually on February 14th. The exact origins of the holiday are uncertain, but it is widely believed to have originated from the celebration of Saint Valentine of Rome, a priest who lived in the 3rd century.


During this time, the Roman Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage,

 Emperor Claudius II at the time he banned marriage.
Emperor Claudius II




but Saint Valentine defied the ban and continued to perform secret marriages for young couples in love. When the emperor discovered this, Saint Valentine was arrested and executed, becoming a symbol of love and devotion.



ST valentine who legend says played a big part in the tradition of valentine's day.
Illustration of St Valentine.


The first recorded celebration of Saint Valentine's Day as a holiday honoring love was in 496 AD by Pope Gelasius I.



Over the centuries, the holiday became associated with the exchange of love letters, flowers, and gifts. The tradition of sending love notes on Valentine's Day became more widespread in the 14th and 15th centuries and by the 16th century, handwritten love letters were a popular way for couples to express their feelings for one another. This eventually evolved into mass-produced Valentine's Day cards, which became popular in the early 19th century.

The very first Valentine's Day card is believed to have been sent in the 15th century by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The tradition of sending Valentine's Day cards became more popular in the 19th century and today, millions of cards are exchanged each year.


First Valentine's day card Portrait of Chaucer from the 16th century, originally produced in England. This portrait is held and digitized by the British Library
Portrait of Chaucer from the 16th century, originally produced in England. This portrait is held and digitized by the British Library

In addition to cards and gifts, it is also common for couples to exchange red roses on Valentine's Day. The red rose has long been a symbol of love and passion, and the tradition of giving red roses on Valentine's Day dates back to the Roman Empire. Today, red roses remain a popular gift for Valentine's Day, and the giving of a single red rose is often considered to be a declaration of love.








In conclusion, Valentine's Day remains a popular holiday for expressing love and affection and is celebrated around the world. Whether through a simple gesture or a grand romantic gesture, the holiday is a day for people to show their appreciation for the special people in their lives and to celebrate the power of love.


One of the reasons Valentine's Day is such a popular time for proposals is because it's a day dedicated to love. For couples who have been together for a while, it's a natural time to take the next step in their relationship and make a public declaration of their love and commitment to each other.

Whilst there is still a thrill of ladies proposing to men on the valentine's day of a leap yer, this tradition is becoming more outdated as relationships become more diverse. It is now as common for men to propose as it is for ladies, and of course this doesn't apply in a same sex relationship...


Two metals hearts linked together like a jigsaw symbolism love on valentine's day.

Many couples choose to make their proposals extra special by incorporating unique and creative elements into their plans. Some couples opt for a candlelit dinner, while others plan a romantic getaway or choose a special place that holds meaning to them. Some even opt for a grand public proposal, like at a concert or sporting event, to make the moment even more memorable.


The best part about a Valentine's Day proposal is that there are no hard and fast rules. You can make the proposal as simple or as elaborate as you like, and there's no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is that the proposal is meaningful to you and your partner and that it represents your love and commitment to each other.


So, will you be proposing this Valentine's day? Regardless of your plans, have a wonderful time!



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