Valentine’s Treats – Restaurants and Roses
As soon as the busy Christmas and New Year period ends, our thoughts turn to the Valentine’s Day holiday, celebrated on February 14 by lovers all over the world!
Through the dark and cold days of winter, it’s a great excuse to warm our hearts, show off our romantic side, and dream of warmer summer weather.
Traditional tokens of love are greeting cards, chocolates and red roses, followed by a secluded table at a local restaurant for your favorite meal and a special moment with your loved one.
But what are the origins of this particular holiday, and why do we most often associate it with food, flowers, and cards?
The earliest beginnings of this special day are believed to date back to Roman times, when many Christian martyrs were named Valentine. Legends abound, but I really can’t see how you can go from a horrible death to the sugary sweetness of today’s celebrations.
For the British people, Chaucer probably came closest to linking a Valentine’s Day with romance and love, writing a sonnet to commemorate King Richard II of England’s engagement to Anne of Bohemia.
‘Cause this was on Valentine’s Day,
When every bird comes there to choose its mate”
Over the centuries, many poets and writers added their weight to the legends, including Shakespeare, who wrote a piece in Hamlet for Ophelia, who sadly commented:
“Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day,
Everything in the morning on time,
and I a maiden at your window,
be your valentine
Then he got up and dressed,
and they doubled the door of the chamber;
Let the maid come in, let a maid come out
He never left anymore.”
It’s a British publisher that took the next step towards the modern ideal of Valentine’s gifts by printing sentimental verses on cards in an effort to help the poor bedazzled lover who couldn’t think of the right words to use.
With the advent of penny mail, it was now possible to send your card anonymously, and the verses soon got a little edgier, adding to the excitement and anticipation. From the prudish Victorian era to the commercial 20th century, we quickly got reasons to promote Valentine’s Day as one of gifts and pleasure, complete with diamond jewelry, red roses and, of course, festivities!
Today we can even send digital cards, but I’m not sure that’s the same as receiving something in the mail! For me, I prefer to get carried away by red roses, chocolates and the secluded location of my favorite restaurant. The night could only be sweeter if I don’t have to drive home!