The History of Valentine's Day

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Love has many different meanings in every single language but there is a universal traditional day when people express their inner feelings for each other, either love or friendship. Valentine's Day was coined as the exchange day for those with these naturally feelings for others, throughout all cultures.

The origins of Valentine's day are traced back to the Medieval era associated with the Catholic Church feast day, but love and fertility nexus with this particular date falling on February 14 comes from the ancient times of Greece, when the Athens calendar included a period between mid January and mid February called the Gamelion, a month dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera, hence associated with love and fertility.

Lupercalia, the festival of Lupercus, the God of Fertility, was the equivalent in the Roman Empire and taking place on February 15, time of purification rituals. Lupercus was represented as a half-naked man dressed in goatskins. His priests sacrificed goats to the god on this day and after drinking wine, they ran through the Roman streets holding pieces of goat and touching anyone in their run including women in the belief to receive an easy childbirth.

There is no written reference about how Saint Valentine became the romantic love protector, in fact the Catholic martyrologies mention three different Saint Valentines under the date of February 14; a priest in Rome, a bishop of Interamna, and a martyr in the Roman province of Africa, making even more obscure the origins of this celebration.

However, in the 5th century the feast of Saint Valentine was officially decreed to be on February 14 by Pope Gelasius I during the year 496. In a later assumption, this could be just an attempt to supersede pagan holidays like Lupercalia celebrated in Rome until then. Apart from this historical setting, the rest is just legends.

Throughout time, the gift of blooming wild flowers was a common practice to demonstrate romantic love or affection between partners on Valentine's Day. Daisy flowers became a sort of "yes-no" love divination. Today, daisies have their own meaning of innocence and loyal love, associated with the fifth wedding anniversary.

During the 19th century, roses took their place having different meanings according to their color or numbers of flowers given on Valentine's Day. It was during the Victorian century when relics exhumed from the Roman catacombs of Saint Hippolytus were identified with Saint Valentine.

In 1836, the relics were donated by Pope Gregory XVI to the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland, but once again, the obscure origins of Valentines (or Valentinus) and his relics are alleged to lie at the reliquary of Roquemaure in France and in Sankt Stephans Kirche in Vienna.

Instead of an uncertain Saint image, the 19th century associated the figure of the winged Cupid to Saint Valentine's Day, along with and heart-shaped outline cards and paper cuts to be sent with flowers on this day, tradition remains today when a wide array of flowers can be chosen online and delivered anywhere just by placing your order via the internet.

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Look Great on St. Valentine's Day

When you are side by side the person you are in love with, you are naturally overwhelmed by the wish to look attractive and sexy. Especially, with the approaching of St. Valentine's Day every lady is looking for new ideas to add to one's appearance more charm and refinement.

Add Brightness and Gentleness

The celebration on St. Valentine's Day often implies an intimate romantic evening. A luxurious evening dress as the one preferred by Hollywood stars are not exactly what you need. It is better to stop your choice at a gentle cocktail dress in a wide range of variations.

The shades of gold are still really popular as they add a matchless duskiness and magnetism to a female's skin even if she is blond. You may prefer any metallic glitter - golden, silver, bronze -that will be featured by an open camisole, bead-embroidered straight dresses or a short bolero-jacket decorated by a golden cord.

A black dress represents an internally classical alternative. Today it is fashionable to wear a black mini dress with slinky silhouette, open shoulders, arms and decollete, and a number of vents. For example, some designers place their vents parallel along the length of the dress or at the sides, or a dress may have geometric vents at the front.


To add more piquancy to your appearance, try wearing pelerine. Fur pelerines are really nice and provide a lot of comfort.
If you are more eager to resemble a young lady who has just graduated from college, put on a light silk or chiffon blouse with puffed sleeves, a dark trapezium-shaped skirt with lacy trimming or flounces, low-heeled shoes and one more charming detail - a string of beads. Such a gentle appearance will surely arouse the most tremulous feelings in your beloved.

By the way, sentimental bows are found among the most favorite decorative elements of the leading designers. Bows will create around you the atmosphere of femininity, caress and gentleness that will be really appealing for any modern knight. Consider the following ideas - a thin ribbon at the waist with a tiny bow; a wide satin waistband with a magnificent bow; gentle boluses with a bow; a bow placed at a deep decollete or a skirt's vent.

Some Minor but Magic Details

If you are ready to let free your imagination - choose any clothing item form lace, guipure, airy chiffon or flotant satin. It is not always compulsory to acquire something new - just try to find a new combination of your favorite items of clothes, having added some eye-catching fresh detail. Remember about accessories. By wearing another pair of ear-rings or a gentle golden chain, your look will be magically transformed into a more festive and attractive one. An elegant watch is also a detail that may do wonders.

Prestigious watch-making brands introduce watches that will match the style even of the most refined dress as they feature a rich variety of designs, color combinations, materials and functions. Some of the present-day watches are just indistinguishable from real jewelry pieces. If you would not like to spend too much money at a watch, pay your attention to collections of replica watches offered by on-line stores.

Replica watches feature top quality at the price affordable for everybody as they are produced from cheaper materials and in much shorter periods of time. Still, qualitative replica watches are not really distinguishable from the authentic ones. That is why some ladies even purchase a collection of differently-styled replica watches to have a timepiece to suit any dress and any occasion.

St. Valentine's Day is a celebration able to unite the hearts and help two people in love become closer. Use all the opportunities to look irresistible and spend the evening in the most wonderful way.


Article source: http://www.cool-watches.com
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Sing Me A Love Song On This Valentine’s Day

Saturday, February 13, 2010

What makes a great love song? The truth is, a songwriter didn’t compose a great love song, a singer didn’t sing a great love song, but the ones who listen to it make it great, especially when two twine together as one – a romance. We, therefore, are the ones who pick it one in “Top 10 love songs” or “Best love songs ever.”
Even my ex-boyfriend and I used to have that as our song - “Lover, I don’t have to love” by Bright Eyes. It seemed foolish because its song title, lyrics, and even melody are bittersweet and melancholy. We didn’t understand why we were listening to this song over and over, maybe just because we both found it a remarkable rhythm at that time. However, love don’t live here anymore. Now I have to forget the sad tune, find myself a new squeeze who sings me a new “our song.”

Ah, Valentine’s Day! Every February 14, and during the weeks leading to this day, couples send beautiful flowers, meaningful cards, and sweet chocolates to their darlings and explore their romantic sides. And a perfect dreamy night with serene melodies is the norm. So, sing me a love song and be my Valentine! When your sweetheart comes to say this to you, what song will you choose? There’s no better time than Valentine’s Day to turn our musical choices passionate.

Recently, I’ve heard some wonderful love tracks. So, narrowing down my list to just 10 “best of” tunes took a lot of thought. If you don’t find your favorites here, send me an email at kittykitcoldplay@yahoo.com. Now, cool off and sit awhile with me, and read some exciting stuffs about my picks of 10 romantic songs for Valentine’s Day:

1) You And Me (Lifehouse)
It makes my heart melt. There is a sense of peacefulness every time I hear this song. Such a melodious and gifted voice! All in all this is a true gem.

2) The Other Side of the World (KT Tunstall)
This nice radiopop is well crafted and remarkable. What I mean is that I keep remembering this song because I like the way she sings and phrases. A sparkling new singer-songwriter.

3) The Scientist (Coldplay)
The song is beautifully crafted and the unprocessed passion in Martin's voice is almost heartbreaking. The best love song yet! An incredibly moving song!

4) You’re Beautiful (James Blunt)
Just beautiful tune! This piece means so much to me and although I’ve heard it many times I still enjoy listening even now. A unique voice that really stands out.

5) Smooth (Santana featuring Rob Thomas)
This has a nice Santana feel. This smooth song rocks. This awesome Latin song is just sensual and also great to dance with.

6) Wherever You Will Go (The Calling)
If I could make you mine, I’ll go wherever you will go. Thumbs up for the melody.

7) If I Thought You’d Ever Change Your Mind (Agnetha Faltskog)
“And in the winter snow, my songs would keep you from the cold.” The lyrics are soooooooo nice and so is the voice of ABBA. It’s totally enjoyable to hear her crystal clear pure sound once again.

8) Crazy In Love (Eminem)
Love the title and love the song! And oh, the lyrics! Slim Shady finally created a non-classic-rap. It sounds like a poem “You are the meaning of my existence, ”You're essential to me, You're the air I breathe, I believe if you ever leave me, I'd probably have no reason to be.”

9) The Look Of Love (Diana Krall)
The look of love sees the invisible in the visible and the sound of love is smooth. A gorgeous love song. A cuddle by the fireside with the one you love.

10) When You Tell Me That You Love Me (Westlife featuring Diana Ross)
Westlife is back to raise you up with a new cover of a famous song. Moreover, this song is a nice comeback to the pop ballads that made them well known. Just tell your honey that you adore her or him with this cute tune.

Why don’t you make your own love song CD with “our song” as a special gift for your significant other on this special occasion? You might want to visit another collection of Top love songs at http://www.audio4fun.com/lovesongcd.htm. They are offering full-length downloads of all tracks in the CD.
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My Ideas For The Valentine's Day.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Valentine's day is nearing. It is the day when the most unromantic soul will feel the love in the air. Can one imagine, what will happen to the lovers? They literally go mad with love. Thinking of ideas, meeting their love, exchanging gifts, expressing love. All the romantic lovers have already gone in the mood of valentine and are eagerly looking forward to it.

Can one imagine the condition of one who has lost his Valentine? Whose Valentine has left him to some unknown place? Whose Valentine has left him alone to shed tears of loneliness? What thoughts will come in such a lover's mind. This poem is one such cry from a lover whose valentine has left him.

My Ideas For The Valentine's Day.

Valentine's What ideas can I think of? This Valentine's Day? To make you happy. To make you feel more of my love. For I don't know, where are you?
What gift can I give you? Chocolates, a jewelry piece, or a cute teddy bear? On the Valentine's Day. For I don't know, where are you? What can I talk with you? What shall I hear from you? On the Valentine's Day. For I don't know, where are you? Who shall I tell about my worries? With who do I share my thoughts? With who shall I share my goals? On the Valentine's Day. For I don't know, where are you?

Where have you gone? Why did you go away? Where do I search for you? When will you return to me? My Valentine. Where ever you are. Know this much, that I am mad in love with you.

My heart cries for you. My eyes search for you. My soul is empty without you. For I love you. When I shall watch, other lovers. Meeting on The Valentine's Day. I will cry over my fate. I will cry over your absence. I will cry all alone. For there shall be no one, except God to hear my cries.

I am waiting for you. Please come back. Oh, God, let her read this. Let her know that I am waiting.
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Valentine's Day - Why Rose Is The Preferred Flower?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

The world is full of flowers. Visit any place dedicated to flowers and you will be amazed at the types of flowers, and facts about them. Flowers come in all shapes, and colors. Some of them can intoxicate you with their lovely perfume. Some are so delicate that one fears touching them. And all of them are stunningly beautiful. still, it is the Rose which is preferred around the world as a flower of choice on the Valentine's day? I wonder about this. And though I have not tried to search for the reasons, here is my own theory on why it is so. One another fact struck me. We can get Roses in many colors but still it the dark red that is preferred as the flower of love. Why?

Let us first think about the color choice. I think that dark red must be the preferred color as it looks like red. And every true lover is ready to shed his/her blood for the beloved. Also love is associated with the heart, and heart pumps blood. So red signifies love. Colors have their own significance, looking at any white color, the first thought is of purity. Same way red means love.

Now let us examine our central theme. Why Rose? A Rose has thorns. But the thorns are below the Rose. The Rose represents life beautifully. It has very soft petals, that tell us about the soft side of living and thorns to convey that life is not all the bed of Roses without thorns. What does a lover do? A true lover will always take the thorns and give only the soft flowers to his/her darling. That is love and love demands that one give only comfort to one's darling. Love demands sacrifice. Love demands giving of joy. Love demands that all pain be kept away from the beloved. That is also the message a lover sends across to his/her beloved with a Rose. I have kept the thorns with myself and I am sending you these soft flowers . I think this is the reason why on Valentine's day, the red Rose is the flower of choice.

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The Importance Of Valentine's Day.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

February is coming, and it will bring the day of love with it. Most of the lovers are already planning for the day. What gift to give, where to meet, what to do to make the day more romantic than any other day?

Why and how is Valentine's Day celebrated?

No one quite knows, why it is celebrated, but it surely makes a big difference in life of lovers. This is the most important day for lovers. They all go mad in love on this day,and can think of nothing but how to please their beloved. It is recorded that business of jewelry takes a big jump during February. So does the business of flowers, candies and cards. Every other gift that can be thought of is bought across most of the countries of the world and is sent to the beloved.

What about others?

Valentine's Day may be the most important day for those in love. What about others? Let us take a look at today's world. Wars, terrorism, fear, murders, and every other destruction that can disturb a peaceful life is the norm. Open a newspaper, watch news on television or read it on Internet, the disturbing news is getting predominance. It depresses the common person in the world. Isn't it? What does a common person think of the future of such a world? Can anyone be optimistic? Can anyone visualize of peace dawning around the world, countries co existing in peace with each other and no ethnic wars being fought anywhere?

What does one look forward to in such a world? I think that most of us have become so numb with disturbances, both man made and natural that we have stopped thinking of future. For a large majority it is "let us try to live peacefully today".

Valentine's Day and the world peace -

With so much destruction going around,, shouldn't one welcome a day, when love reigns supreme? A day, when hatred and destruction takes back seat and one only thinks of love? What if we begin a new way of celebration? Begin sending love messages to our enemies. Begin talking of love and peace and try something that can reduce our conflicts with others? Why keep the day confined to romantic love. Take a step forward and make it a day to make every human being love another. Irrespective of race, nation, religion, etc. Break all the outer barriers and try to touch the heart of all we can? Can this be done? Let us at least think of Valentine's Day as a day, when all the hatred and enmity is forgotten and it is the song of love that is played around.

Is that not a big contribution of this day? That is why it is so important.

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The Mysterious Valentine's Day

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

February 14th, the holiday of Love! Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. 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. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred - none of whom were associated with roses OR chocolate.

Most scholars believe that the St. Valentine of the holiday was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. During this time, around 270 A.D., emperor Claudius ll prohibited marriages for young men, claiming that bachelors made better soldiers. Valentine continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies but was eventually apprehended by the Romans and ordered by Claudius to be put to death. But his courageous blessing of the bonds of love may have earned him a notable place in history.

Another legend has it that Valentine, imprisoned by Claudius; fell in love with the daughter of his jailer who visited him during confinement. Before he was executed, he allegedly sent her a letter signed "from your Valentine" an expression that is still used today. We could say this marked the very first Valentine’s Day.

Possibly the most plausible story surrounding St. Valentine and his day is one not focused on Eros(passionate love) but on agape (Christian love): he was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion. Subsequently, his love for his god may have gone down in history.

Our final possiblity for the origins our our holiday: It could be that we celebrate Valentines Day on the 14th because this is the day that St. Valentine died. However, some believe that the celebration of Valentines Day was an attempt by the Church to civilize the celebration of the pagan Lupercalia festival - held on the 15th of February. Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D. The Lupercalia festival was deemed un-Christian and outlawed.

Valentine's Greetings

The oldest known valentine gift still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The greeting, written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".

And Who is this Cupid?

Another valentine icon you may be wondering about is Cupid (from Latin cupido, "desire"). In Roman mythology Cupid is the son of Venus, goddess of love. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Eros, god of love. Cupid is often said to be a mischievous boy who goes around wounding both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love. The Romans believed white roses grew where the tears of Venus fell, as she mourned the loss of her beloved Adonis. Her son Cupid, while being stung by a bee, shot arrows in the rose garden; the sting of the arrows became thorns. Venus pricked her foot on a thorn, and the droplets of blood dyed the roses red.

Sending Roses on Valentine’s Day

Why should you send roses to your loved one this Valentine’s Holiday? The rose is the symbol of love, of magic, of hope, and of passion….perfect to let your loved one know how you feel about him/her! The rose represents ultimate beauty and perfection. It is the messenger of Romance!

A dozen red roses remains the classic Valentine's Day favorite (ok, it's a toss up between roses and chocolate - but we all knwo why chocolate is). However, many women report that they adore roses in other colors just as much. There are hundreds of colors to choose from. The choices are endless and it's easier than ever to select a rose that is as unique as your sweetheart.

Whatever your Valentine's gift to give or receive, have fun this holiday of love - may this little bit of history add to your enjoyment!
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Tips and Ideas for Valentine's Day

Monday, February 8, 2010

Valentine's Day is near, what are you planning to do for your love one? I know you've read somewhere from the internet that you should surprise your love one by making your date creative, be interesting, plan well, and have sense of humor when doing all the above.

But what many people want to know about Valentine's Day tips are, what gifts should you choose? What ideas should you have to do for your surprises?

Here are 5 gifts tips for women to men:

1. Hi-tech gadgets and toys - this gift tips is suitable for 80% of men in the world! Get him some toys like Robo Sapien Robot, Paint Ball Kit, iPod. Pocket PC, Mp3 Players...etc

2. Car accessories - Is your men a car craz? Get a car magazine from your nearest bookstore and start looking for tips to shop for the best car accessories. This works only for men who are obsess with cars, so please do know your men.

3. Computer parts - Like men who love Hi-tech gadgets, there're as high as 80% men who love computers, you can know when men start to lecture about their geek hobby in computers. Get ideas from computer magazine and shop for the perfect computer upgrades parts as a gift.

4. Clothes - Some men have special taste in clothes. Forget the tie, get your man a stylish shirt, I'm sure he has lots of ties to go with it.

5. Perfume - If your man owns more clothes than you do, giving perfume as a gift will be a good idea.

Here are 5 gifts tips for men to women:

1. Write personalized love letter or poem - There is no shortcut; spend some time creating words from the bottom of your heart. I'm sure you can do it if you REALLY love her so much. And please don't copy from else where, dumb blonde may not be so dumb nowadays.

2. Flowers go with card, chocolates or jewelry - Some experts might say giving these may be showing you're predictable. But no doubt women still love men giving them these gifts, every woman loves attention from men.

3. Romantic Dinner - If you want to become a romantic Romeo of Valentine’s Day, plan a romantic evening by having a dinner with your lady.

4. Lingerie - This works best only IF you're very close with her. Don't get your lady lingerie for knowing her 3 days. Also, giving only lingerie might looks like an invitation for sex, and this will disappoint her by thinking all you have in mind is SEX.

5. Best gift, combine all from the above - a love letter in a card with roses, and a romantic dinner. Remember to use your creativity as there're many men out there might be doing the same. For example, give strawberries dipped in chocolates instead of just chocolates or choose the best bottle of red wine can be interesting to start your lovely evening.

Okay, enough for the gifts. How about some ideas for Valentine's Day? How to keep a Valentine's date interesting? Here're some ideas for you to start one:

1. Prepare a romantic dinner yourself, I’m talking about D.I.Y. You can easily pickup ay cookbook from your nearest bookstore or just purchase any e-cookbook online. Then pick the best 5 out from hundreds of recipes, from fine cuisines to exotic drinks.

2. Plan romantic activities, start from dinner to dance, then end the evening with a wonderful love affair. It can be done in your own house or just go out and have fun.

3. Do something special like in the movie, have a romantic picnic at the beach, on a boat, on a plane (if you're rich enough), on a roof top, ride horses to your dinner date, use trained animal to pass your gifts.

I'm sure by now you already have tons of creative ideas in your mind. Don't be afraid to try new things, it's Valentine's Day!
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