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February 14th.
Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and lovers. The roots of Valentine's Day goes back to ancient times, when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia, and was celebrated even then on February 14th.
The traditions of Valentine's Day are broad and many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts. Chocolates and jewelry are the big hits of this holiday as is romantic dinners.
It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for kids and family. Many a couple become engaged or wed on this day. For others it is a day to fall in love.
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Cupid ~ Valentine's Day would not be complete without Cupid, the most recognized symbol of love. Nope, we are not talking about one of Santa's reindeer. We are speaking of Cupid, the God of Love. It is said that if Cupid shoots his arrow of love and hits you, that you will fall helplessly and madly in love with the next person you meet.
In Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love. In greek mythology, he was known as Eros and was the son of Aphrodite.
According to Roman mythology, Cupid fell madly in love with Psyche despite his mothers jealousy over Psyche's beauty. While he married her, he also told her never to look at him. He visited her only at night. Her sisters convinced her to look at Cupid despite his warning. So she lit a lamp one night so she could see him. Cupid then left her.
Psyche wandered aimlessly for a time, searching in vain for Cupid. She happened upon the temple of Venus. Venus, looking to destroy her, gave Psyche a series of perilous tasks, each one more difficult and previous than than preceding one. Her final task was to deliver take a little box to the underworld and get some of the beauty of Proserpine. She was warned not to open the box. But again, curiosity overcame her and she opened the box. There was nothing in the box but deadly slumber. (Don't despair, this story has a happy ending!)
Cupid, who really loved Psyche all the while, came upon her lifeless body. He forgave Psyche and swept the deadly slumber back into the box. The gods then made Psyche a goddess.
At this point it is appropriate to say "and they all lived happily ever after". Oh, by the way, if he hits you with one of his arrows, you too will live happily ever after!
Note: There are many versions of the story of Cupid and Psyche. The basic theme is the same, but details of the myth vary.
Did you know? Cupid is sometimes shown blindfolded. Why?...Because love is blind!
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Saint Valentine ~ is the patron saint of Valentine's Day. The holiday was named after him. He is the patron saint for lovers.
During the early days of the Roman empire christianity was discriminated against. Christian marriages were forbidden at that time. St. Valentine, then the Bishop of Rome, continued preach christianity and to perform christian marriages. He was imprisoned for disobeying the emperor. While in prison, he continued writing letters and even converted convicts in jail to christianity. He befriended Julia, the daughter of the jailer. When the emperor Claudius discovered that he was still preaching christianity from his jail cell, he was executed (270A.D.). In his last letter to the jailer's daughter before his execution, he signed it "From your Valentine", which is where this holiday then got it's name.
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Did you know? While 75% of chocolate purchases are made by women all year long, during the days and minutes before Valentine's Day, 75% of the chocolate purchases are made by men. Over $1billion of chocolate is purchased for Valentine's Day.
Saint Valentine's Day Massacre During the "Roaring twenties(1920's)", mobs, crime and gangsters were at a height in many parts of the U.S. Alcohol was banned, spawning the rise of Bootlegging and mob activity. Chicago , Illinois experienced more than it's share of mobs and gangsters. On Valentine's Day, February 14, 1929, four gangsters dressed up as policemen, massacred seven members of a rival gang.
Did you Know? February 14th was formerly thought to be the first day of bird's mating for the season. This sparked the custom of sending valentines to each other.
*
Flowers that say "LOVE":
Many flowers express love in some way or other. They are popular for Valentine's Day, but may be better for your budget than a dozen roses. Here is a partial list:
Roses: The red rose is the universal symbol of romantic love. Need we say more!?
Rose Color Meanings ~
Red ~ Nothing sends the message of love more clearly, than a red rose. Make that a dozen! The meaning of this rose color is quite clear. Red roses represent love, beauty, courage and respect.
White ~ is the color of purity and innocence. It also represents silence or secrecy, reverence and humility.
Pink ~ Appreciation,"Thank you", grace, perfect happiness, and admiration
Dark Pink ~ Send roses of this color to show appreciation or gratitude.
Light Pink ~ admiration, sympathy
Yellow ~ Joy, gladness, friendship, delight, the promise of a new beginning
Orange ~ Desire, and enthusiasm
Red and White ~ Given together, these signify unity.
Red Rosebud ~ A symbol of purity and loveliness
White Rosebud ~ Symbolic of girlhood
Thornless Rose ~ Signifies "Love at first sight".
The Valentine Flower - Sure, red roses symbolize love. But, did you know there's a flower, and it is not a rose, that is called the Valentine Flower!? http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/bleedingheart.htm
Forget-Me-Not - These perennial flowers are a sing of love or friendship. Pretty blue flowers are irresistible.
Love-In-A-Mist - When you are in love, you're on Cloud Nine.
Cyclamen - This popular Valentine's Day gift has heart-shaped leaves. The most popular are varieties are those with red flowers. Gee, I wonder why.....
Mistletoe - According to tradition, you kiss your intended under the Mistletoe at Christmas. You can also do so on Valentine's Day. (Good luck finding Mistletoe in February.....)
Passion Flower - ignite your passion.
Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and lovers. The roots of Valentine's Day goes back to ancient times, when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia, and was celebrated even then on February 14th.
The traditions of Valentine's Day are broad and many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts. Chocolates and jewelry are the big hits of this holiday as is romantic dinners.
It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for kids and family. Many a couple become engaged or wed on this day. For others it is a day to fall in love.
*
Cupid ~ Valentine's Day would not be complete without Cupid, the most recognized symbol of love. Nope, we are not talking about one of Santa's reindeer. We are speaking of Cupid, the God of Love. It is said that if Cupid shoots his arrow of love and hits you, that you will fall helplessly and madly in love with the next person you meet.
In Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love. In greek mythology, he was known as Eros and was the son of Aphrodite.
According to Roman mythology, Cupid fell madly in love with Psyche despite his mothers jealousy over Psyche's beauty. While he married her, he also told her never to look at him. He visited her only at night. Her sisters convinced her to look at Cupid despite his warning. So she lit a lamp one night so she could see him. Cupid then left her.
Psyche wandered aimlessly for a time, searching in vain for Cupid. She happened upon the temple of Venus. Venus, looking to destroy her, gave Psyche a series of perilous tasks, each one more difficult and previous than than preceding one. Her final task was to deliver take a little box to the underworld and get some of the beauty of Proserpine. She was warned not to open the box. But again, curiosity overcame her and she opened the box. There was nothing in the box but deadly slumber. (Don't despair, this story has a happy ending!)
Cupid, who really loved Psyche all the while, came upon her lifeless body. He forgave Psyche and swept the deadly slumber back into the box. The gods then made Psyche a goddess.
At this point it is appropriate to say "and they all lived happily ever after". Oh, by the way, if he hits you with one of his arrows, you too will live happily ever after!
Note: There are many versions of the story of Cupid and Psyche. The basic theme is the same, but details of the myth vary.
Did you know? Cupid is sometimes shown blindfolded. Why?...Because love is blind!
*
Saint Valentine ~ is the patron saint of Valentine's Day. The holiday was named after him. He is the patron saint for lovers.
During the early days of the Roman empire christianity was discriminated against. Christian marriages were forbidden at that time. St. Valentine, then the Bishop of Rome, continued preach christianity and to perform christian marriages. He was imprisoned for disobeying the emperor. While in prison, he continued writing letters and even converted convicts in jail to christianity. He befriended Julia, the daughter of the jailer. When the emperor Claudius discovered that he was still preaching christianity from his jail cell, he was executed (270A.D.). In his last letter to the jailer's daughter before his execution, he signed it "From your Valentine", which is where this holiday then got it's name.
*
Did you know? While 75% of chocolate purchases are made by women all year long, during the days and minutes before Valentine's Day, 75% of the chocolate purchases are made by men. Over $1billion of chocolate is purchased for Valentine's Day.
Saint Valentine's Day Massacre During the "Roaring twenties(1920's)", mobs, crime and gangsters were at a height in many parts of the U.S. Alcohol was banned, spawning the rise of Bootlegging and mob activity. Chicago , Illinois experienced more than it's share of mobs and gangsters. On Valentine's Day, February 14, 1929, four gangsters dressed up as policemen, massacred seven members of a rival gang.
Did you Know? February 14th was formerly thought to be the first day of bird's mating for the season. This sparked the custom of sending valentines to each other.
*
Flowers that say "LOVE":
Many flowers express love in some way or other. They are popular for Valentine's Day, but may be better for your budget than a dozen roses. Here is a partial list:
Roses: The red rose is the universal symbol of romantic love. Need we say more!?
Rose Color Meanings ~
Red ~ Nothing sends the message of love more clearly, than a red rose. Make that a dozen! The meaning of this rose color is quite clear. Red roses represent love, beauty, courage and respect.
White ~ is the color of purity and innocence. It also represents silence or secrecy, reverence and humility.
Pink ~ Appreciation,"Thank you", grace, perfect happiness, and admiration
Dark Pink ~ Send roses of this color to show appreciation or gratitude.
Light Pink ~ admiration, sympathy
Yellow ~ Joy, gladness, friendship, delight, the promise of a new beginning
Orange ~ Desire, and enthusiasm
Red and White ~ Given together, these signify unity.
Red Rosebud ~ A symbol of purity and loveliness
White Rosebud ~ Symbolic of girlhood
Thornless Rose ~ Signifies "Love at first sight".
The Valentine Flower - Sure, red roses symbolize love. But, did you know there's a flower, and it is not a rose, that is called the Valentine Flower!? http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/bleedingheart.htm
Forget-Me-Not - These perennial flowers are a sing of love or friendship. Pretty blue flowers are irresistible.
Love-In-A-Mist - When you are in love, you're on Cloud Nine.
Cyclamen - This popular Valentine's Day gift has heart-shaped leaves. The most popular are varieties are those with red flowers. Gee, I wonder why.....
Mistletoe - According to tradition, you kiss your intended under the Mistletoe at Christmas. You can also do so on Valentine's Day. (Good luck finding Mistletoe in February.....)
Passion Flower - ignite your passion.
