Valentine's Day Is Not Just For Romantics

Valentine's Day Is Not Just For Romantics

Valentine is a day when people express their love for each other by sending cards, exchanging gifts and spending time together.valentine's plush toys Traditionally, valentine's are given to romantic partners, but it has also become an international holiday of friendship, a day to celebrate family and friends, and in some countries, a day for expressing affection to children.

While many of us associate the holiday with romance, it actually originated as a festival to honor two different saints.valentine's plush toys According to legend, the first Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who was executed on February 14 in the third century. During his lifetime, he is said to have performed weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry by the Emperor Claudius, who believed that young men would not make good soldiers if they were married.

Another Saint Valentine was a bishop who served during the third century in Terni, Italy.valentine's plush toys While in captivity, he is said to have cared for his jailer's blind daughter and healed her. When he was released from prison, the girl saw again and fell in love with him. Before he was executed, he sent her a letter signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that continues to be in use today.

These stories became associated with a feast day in late February, and by the Middle Ages, this was celebrated as a day for courtly love.valentine's plush toys It was during this period that the word valentine was first used to describe a specific lover in a poem. Later, Chaucer and Shakespeare further popularized the connection between Valentine's Day and love celebrations.

Though there is no proof of these events, they have provided a basis for the modern holiday's traditions. In the 19th century, Hallmark began selling valentines, and a few decades later, chocolate and flowers became synonymous with the holiday.

When looking for a gift to give your valentine, it is important to consider their 'love language.' If they value quality time, a weekend getaway is a perfect way to show them you care. If they are more into physical touch, a cozy throw rug or scented candles are sure to win them over. If they speak words of affirmation, a sentimental card is the perfect touch. If they are a giver, a handmade gift will be treasured.

For DIYers, a string art heart makes a unique Valentine's Day gift. Paint a piece of lightweight wood your desired color, then stencil the word "LOVE" or your own chosen shape and word onto it. Use thin nails to outline the heart and word, then loop a piece of yarn or string around each nail, across and up, down and side to side until you achieve the desired effect. This craft is simple enough for kids to do, and it's a great way to show your valentine how much you love them.

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