A Celebration of Love: The Creative Valentine's Evening

Valentine's Day was an attempt to replace the pagan holiday of Lupercalia, the celebration of fertility and purification, that was still celebrated through the 5th century in Rome. The Church can feel quite satisfied that the attempt has succeeded. In 2004, Christian groups criticized a children's show on Nickelodeon for calling the holiday "Love Day" and trying to escape the Christian connotations of St. Valentine. Spread the word, the holiday's basic sentiment is not a Christian concept, it is pagan just like the Christmas Tree.

The name Valentine is derivative of the Latin word valor which means worthy. I have heard that a fellow named Pope Gelasius created the holiday to recognize a martyr called Valentine, who was associated with lovers reunited after or during hardship. As I am pagan, I rarely pursue the reasons pagan holidays are replaced with Christianized names. Those of you who are interested are free to explore.

The Holiday was commercialized in the United States, of course, in the 1840's when Esther Howling began producing and selling Valentine greetings in her father's stationary and book store in 1847. During the 20th century the addition of gift giving has grown as other industries have taken steps to capitalize on the holiday.

Knowing a bit about the history gives insight into the sentiment of the holiday. It is a holiday of fertility, and warm feelings. It is based on primal emotions and the type of trust found in settings that foster love, acceptance, and affection.

The Gifts

Gifts should be luxurious in nature but needn't be expensive at all. I always suggest a gift basket, filled with hand chosen items to enhance a quiet, Valentine's evening with your beloved. Fill the basket with items that encourage spontaneity and touch. Including unscented massage oils, then providing a carefully chosen Fragrance oil to be added when you are ready, will add spice to your evening. Jojoba and Sweet Almond oils can be bought at the local health food store and are common massage oil bases. Scent oils and the basket can be purchased at the local crafts store. Add candies and trinkets to create interest.

The Candles

Pillar or long burning votive candles add atmosphere. Purchase unscented candles and then add a few drops of your chosen scent to the pool of wax that forms as the candle burns. This customizes your candle for a short time. More than one scent can be used with the same candle by pouring off the wax pool at the end of each burning and pouring off a bit at the beginning of the next burning. Then place drops of the new scent in the new pool of wax.

The Feast

Spread a set of cushions or a large square of foam padding on the floor. Over that, large square of fabric like canvas or any other fabric that prevents moisture from seeping through. It must be large enough to serve as your dining area for the evening. Create platters filled with your favorite meats, frutis and vegetables, rolls with butters, and sweets. Then, place the filled platters on top of the fabric, creating the dining area.

You and your beloved will have the evening meal there, with a catch. You must feed each other without using utensils. Have towels and bowls filled with lemon water to clean your fingers between items. Have water and champagne or wine available, that is the only thing you can get for yourselves. You will lounge like the Romans, feeding each other food and affection for the rest of the evening.