Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine Day History





It was originally known as St. Valentine's day and shortened to Valentine's Day over time, but the sentiment remains the same. It's a day of celebrating love and affection between one another. The day is named after an early Christian martyr named Valentine and was first associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages, when courtly love was popular.



The date derives its name from several Christian martyrs from the early hundreds, AD. There were several different martyrs that the name was taken from and at the time they had no romantic leanings. One specific Valentine is said to have been martyred in Africa on February 14th and that's where the date came from. The romantic aspect of the holiday comes from Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote, "For this was Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate." These words were included in a poem that honored the engagement of teenagers King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. Critics mistakenly assumed he was referring to St. Valentine's Day of February 14th, although that is not a time when birds would be mating. In his text, Chaucer makes it seem like it it's an old tradition, although it doesn't appear to have existed prior to his writing it.



It seems only just that the city of love, Paris, adopted a High Court of Love on February 14, 1400. This was run by women on the basis of their poetry reading ability or the earliest written valentines. The holiday flourished and England embraced the celebration with the forming of factories that assembled paper valentines.



While the earlier forms of valentines were hand written poems, they eventually gave way to the manufactured forms. From paper valentines to gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and other romantic gifts, the traditions surrounding Valentine's Day have blossomed like the roses so popular on that day. It is estimated that 190 million valentines are sent each year in America alone, mostly among children. Although it's jokingly called, "Singles Awareness Day," it's still a time for all people to remember to express to their loved ones their un-dying love.








Happy Valentines Day!

Dee Dee




                              

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Romance is the word for Valentines Day!

Romance:  A word, so beautiful it even sounds pretty!  That's what romance is all about.  A celebration of the Senses.  So turning your Valentine's Day into something Romantic can be a wonderful sensational experience.  Making things that taste, smell, feel, sound and look wonderful are the ingredients to a romantic day. 

Here's a few ideas:  For dinner, create that romantic mood with sensual foods, use your best crystal, silverware and light candles, play music, and have flowers on your table.  Use all the good stuff to create your table for two. 


Soft, cushioned, sink down puffy Beds are romantic, fluff your feather pillows, add a soft comforter, with loads of soft blankets. 




Create your own Valentine Cards to give. Everyone will love these "straight from the heart" homemade cards. I made these Valentine cards last year for my grandchildren. They were probably too young to appreciate them. These cards called "Antique Valentines"  Instructions can be found on the Martha Stewart website, as well as instructions for the following valentine cards. 






I thought this was a cute idea.  Cut out your own photos to be added to your creation!


These envelopes were made using doilies!  How clever is that!


Also using doilies, these valentine cards are sure to be a hit! 

All of the above card projects can be found at http://www.marthastewart.com/

So, go forth and be creative and romantic this valentines! 

Till next time....Dee Dee

(tablescape photo can be found at Victoria Magazine for a better view.)


Don't forget to buy your sweetie some flowers!



Valentine Flowers we made at my flower shop, a few years ago.







Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Valentine, Texas

Valentines Day is just around the corner.  If you want to have your valentines sent out with the special Valentine, Texas stamp, here's the information.  Send your valentines in a large envelope to:

Valentine Post Office
Valentine, Texas 79854-5400

They will post mark your envelopes with their cute stamps

Make sure your envelopes are fully addressed and stamped before you put them in the large envelope.  Take it to your local post office so you will be sure to have the correct postage. 

Won't your Valentine recipient's be excited to see their postmark! 

Happy Valentines Day!!!




Dee Dee