February 14, 2007

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

A Little Valentine's Day History

Valentine's day history goes back to Roman times. The emperor Claudius II was a student of human nature and way back in AD 287 he calculated that single men made braver soldiers than married men. Therefore, as Claudius had absolute power, he dictated than no soldier should marry. A Roman called Valentinus thought that this was rough justice and secretly married soldiers who had a sweetheart.

When Claudius discovered that Valentinus had defied his decree he threw Valentinus into jail. While incarcerated, Valentinus fell in love with the gaoler's daughter and sent her the first ever card - from your sweet Valentine.

In AD 496 Pope Gelasius, chose 14 February as the day to honor and remember Saint Valentine. In the history of Valentine's day, the 17th century was the most important era. The 14th of February became important as a day to exchange love notes by sending poems and gifts. Sometimes dances and small festivals were held.

Valentine Customs

In Wales wooden love spoons are made and given as presents on 14 February. Hearts, keys and keyholes feature as decorations on these carved spoons as and invitation to 'unlock my heart' .

Valentines day history in Medieval times saw the youth of the time wearing names drawn from a hat on their sleeves. Hence the modern expression 'to wear your heart on your sleeve' . This means that other people can easily see what you are feeling.

If a young lady sees a sparrow on February 14th flying overhead it means that she will marry a poor man and be extremely happy. If she saw a robin she would marry a mariner. A goldfinch seen by a woman meant that she would marry into riches.

St Valentine's commercialization probably began with the making and selling of cards in the 18th century. Women in the 18th century would write men's names on paper, roll them in clay and place them in a bowl of water. The first paper to rise to the surface would contain the name of a woman's true love.

If you would like to give a spoon to your true love, you can find great examples here:

A little history and a great place to purchase a Love Spoon!

Tutorial for Carving your own Love Spoon!

If you would like to see some examples of Victorian valentines see these sites:

Victorian Valentines in a Scrapbook Format

Victorian Valentines and more….

Tags: Crafts, Valentines day, Valentines day cards, Valentines day crafts, Victorian valentines, Love Spoons, Valentines day love spoons

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