Valentine’s Day Medley

The History of Valentine’s Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

Photo Credit: valart2008’s
Vintage Valentines:

Vintage Valentines #1

Vintage Valentines #2

Here’s An Idea To Use Vintage Valentines

ScrapAlbum.com: Within this site the visitor will find refreshing imagery from the Victorian era which is suitable for young and old alike, so please take a look – the past is waiting to be revealed. Interesting Valentine’s Section.

Chocolate – a health food?

To maximize the protective effect chocolate has to offer, your best bet is to reach for dark chocolate when the craving hits. To make sure you are getting the highest concentration of flavonoids, read the list of ingredients and choose bars that list cocoa solids or cocoa mass first, not sugar.

Tips: 50 Very Simple Ways to Be Romantic

Photo: Tanya McConnell
The hands are for friendship
The heart is for love
And the crown is for loyalty
Held high above.

Caution: it is said to be very bad luck for a person to purchase a Claddagh ring for themselves. It must be given or received as a gift.

Why Does “X” Signed On A Card Represent A Kiss?

Love letters on Valentine’s Day and throughout the year are often signed with a string of “X”s to represent kisses. But, why should an “X” be the symbol for a kiss? Our practice of using an “X” for a kiss grew out of the Medieval practice of letting those who could not write mark documents with an “X” to represent their name. This was done in the presence of Witnesses and a kiss was given upon the “X” to show sincerity. The “X” then became synonymous with the kiss in the minds of most people. The reason why the symbol “X” was chosen to represent ones name is found in two possible explanations. One explanation has it that the “X” shape was original thought of as a cross. This “X” shaped cross or crux decussata was the symbol of St. Andrew (the brother of St. Peter). It may have been that people were making a pledge in the name of the martyred saint. It was only later that people thought of it more as a letter of the English alphabet, rather than a cross. The second explanation is that it might have been a pledge in the name of Christ. The “X”, or Chi symbol is also a letter of the Greek alphabet, which has in past church history been used to represent the name “Christ”.

Free Downloads: Valentine’s Printables & Toys

Why Red Roses?

The red rose is such a big part of Valentine’s Day because the rose was supposedly a sacred flower to Venus. Red is also a color that signifies strong feelings. These days, a bouquet of roses is almost synonymous with “I love you.” And why the dozen you ask? For one simple reason: 12 is more than one.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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