Valentine traditions date back as far as the Middle Ages. When Valentine's Day was created it was not meant to be a time for lovers. However, this quickly changed. There have been many stories about St. Valentine, who he was and what he did for people. Occasionally, the history of the event is sensationalized to make a better story than it is. However, whether it was meant to be for lovers or not, February 14th was chosen, and ended up being the perfect choice for lovers to celebrate.
In nature, mid-February, around the 14th, birds begin to choose their mates. Songbirds begin to appear from winter, slowly during this time, as well. Poets such as Chaucer, Michael Drayton, and Robert Herrick immortalized Valentine's Day, writing poems about love and romance. With all of this behind Valentine's Day it is no wonder that there are special traditions and celebrations for lovers each year.
Valentine's Day traditions are different in every culture around the globe. While nearly every country celebrates the special day, how it is celebrated will vary greatly. While in America the traditions and customs are all romantically based, in other areas of the world some of the past customs have been more about the future and less about the celebration of your current lover.
For example, old English customs often had a woman searching and hoping for her future husband to come along. One custom had a woman visiting a graveyard on the eve of Valentine's Day at midnight. If she went through with it she would then sing a chant and run around the church twelve times she might then see what her future husband would look like. Meanwhile, in Great Britain women would write the names of their suitors and place them on clay balls. The balls were to be sunk into water. Whichever ball floated to the top first would contain the name of the man they were to marry.
One of the first traditions for Valentine's Day ensured that the pairing future lovers would occur. Names of women that were available would be placed into a large wooden bowl. Eligible bachelors would pick a name and that would be the woman to become his Valentine. The man would wear the name of this girl on his sleeve for one week. If you've heard of the saying about wearing someone's heart on your sleeve, and wondered where it came from, this may be where the phrase first started.
In Wales gifts of wooden love spoons would be carved out and given to lovers or people that they were in love with. The spoons were often carved into keyholes, keys, and hearts. This would show the person who received it that they held the key to someone's heart.
Meanwhile, in other countries women would receive gifts of special clothing from men who loved them. If a woman decided to keep a man's gift then it meant that she was accepting a proposal of marriage. There are many other customs that have occurred throughout history, though these were some of the most popular.
Today, Valentine's Day is all about your current lover. Celebrations occur that include romantic dinners, sensual trysts, and gifts that only lovers should give to one another. This one day of the year allows for the most romantic gestures to occur. On this day there are numerous proposals, weddings, and renewal of vows or declarations of love. It is and will always be one of the most romantic days for lovers, in history.
Poolside/Beach
Nothing could be finer than a romantic beachside event with the person you love. Paradise by the water, you will be sure to feel the love and energy as you focus on your lover, the sparkling water, and the warmth of the waves or the feel of the sand. You can make love in the water or on the sand. You can also have a romantic picnic, or spend the evening wrapped in each other's arms while you look up at the stars together. No matter what you are doing this location has the ability to be incredibly romantic, especially at night with the moon and the stars shining brightly.
Mountain Retreat
If you are a fan of snowy weather, as opposed to the sun and sands of paradise, the Mountain Retreat is perfect for you. Whisk your lover away to the wild and fun wilderness. Take in the snowy mountains while you sip cocoa and curl by a warm fire. If there is snow on the ground you might sneak out to play in the snow together, like children. No matter what you decide to do, many people find locations like this, where you are tucked away alone together, to be the perfect thing for two lovers on Valentines Day.
Luxury Hotel
If you have a chance to get away, you do not have to go as far as the beach or the mountains. A luxury hotel will offer all the romantic options that you might want. Many of these fabulous hotels offer rooms with fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and huge beds. Additionally, depending on the area you can expect dazzling views of city skylines from many hotel room windows. All you need to do is order some room service and enjoy some tasty treats, some great wine, and each other when you choose an option such as this.
Wine & Dine
If you are looking for a romantic idea that will not take you out of town then you might want to consider wining and dining your lover. All you need to do is choose one of the fanciest, most romantic restaurants in town and let them do the rest. You will be able to enjoy a candlelight dinner with your lover in a romantic setting with excellent food. Afterwards, take your lover dancing or go to a late show. If the beach is nearby, take a walk along the sand while holding hands. Whatever happens from there is up to you!
Fireside
If you find that you are on a budget, but you still want to have a little romance this Valentines why not create the romance right in your home. Start a fire and camp out in front of it. You can serve some excellent tasting food and wine, and have some sweet treats ready so that you can create a romantic picnic in front of a roaring fire.
This will offer you a wonderfully romantic gesture that also gives you the pleasure of allowing you to feel right at home. Once you've finished with your picnic you can curl up right there together or you can pack up your meal and head to bed. Either way the result is well worth the small effort it will take to make this romantic transformation in your home.
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