Romantic Inspiration

Valentines Day is only a month away so you had better be preparing something nice for your sweethearts!
We will be running a series of articles on the run-up to Valentines Day, and here is our first - the history of St.Valentines Day and what you need to know...

February 14th - Don't forget it!

The day in question, St. Valentines Day, falls on the 14th of February every year. It is a day on which, traditionally, lovers let the apple of their eye know that they have an admirer. Sending a Valentine's card, which is often anonymous (unless being sent to a wife or girlfriend), is the usual method of accomplishing this.

Although many people think that the various card manufacturers have largely invented the ritual of sending a Valentine, the tradition of sending a Valentine or love note actually goes back to the start of the 19th century. The first mass produced Valentine's cards appeared in shops and markets in the 2nd half of the 19th century.

St. Valentines day's origins can be traced back to an obscure Catholic celebration, however the associations with romantic love began somewhere towards the end of the Middle Ages.

What should I do for my Valentine?

We will run a series of articles in the next week with ideas of what you can do for Valentine's Day.
However, one thing you should always do is send a note or a card.
Why not make your own card - Our article here will give you some pointers.

If you are creating a card, try to use some of the traditional Valentine ideas.
Some traditional Valentine symbols include hearts, hearts with an arrow through them, Cupid and roses.

Place a poem or a short message in the card, and sign it with a '?' or an 'x'. Mystery is a big part of the appeal of Valentines Day and makes it even more exciting to receive a Valentine's card.

If you don't fancy the task of making a card, and let's face it - it's a mission if you're not the crafty type, then all the major card retailers sell thousands of different designs!
In fact, worldwide we send out an estimated 1 billion Valentine cards per year, which makes it the biggest greetings card day after Christmas!
Women are said to be the purchasers around 80% of all the Valentine cards, but that is no excuse to forget, men!

If you do not get any Valentine cards this year, worry not! You can rest safe in the knowledge that you are certainly not the only one!