Traditions of Valentine's Day

Fancy cards adorned with lace, flowers and romantic or humorous greetings inside have created a billion dollar industry for card companies on Valentine's Day. Second only to Christmas. Cards with hearts and flowers have been a tradition of Valentine's Day since the middle ages.

Of the approximate 110 million red roses bought for this special day, most are imported from South America. Pink, red and white roses are the colors most commonly purchased on Valentine's Day. Pink is associated with Saint Valentine. It is believed his burial caused the pink almond tree to bloom. Red is for the color of the heart and it implies warmth and special feelings. White is for purity and a faith between lovers.

Charles, duke of Orleans sent his wife the first true Valentine card in 1415. Unfortunately, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London at the time.

Cupid, son of Venus (the Roman god of beauty and love), is the symbol we recognize as an acknowledgment of our love on Valentine's Day.

Dating your sweetheart is one of the most popular traditions of Valentine's Day worldwide. Yes, even if you are married. This is a day for romance and taking your love out for a good time. This custom began in Sussex, England. At the time, it was thought that birds chose their mates on February 14^th. "The Birds Wedding Day" was another name for Valentine's Day in parts of Sussex.

In the early days of the holiday, only romantic couples observed the day. Today, we wish "Happy Valentine's Day" to everyone we cherish. The one day of the year to give, receive and celebrate love.

Today's fancy, laced adorned cards began as simple love notes called "Valentines". One of the most ancient customs from the Middle Ages or even earlier was to write the names of single young women on pieces of paper and place them in a bowel or jar. An eligible bachelor would draw a name and that young lady was then his valentine. He wore her name on his sleeve for a week. It's believed the saying "to wear one's heart on one's sleeve" came from this early tradition.

Exchanging gifts is a custom that shows your love to your mate. In the early days, gifts were simple, usually flowers or candy. The most popular gifts today are roses, candy and teddy bears. Expensive jewelry has become quite popular over the years as the diamond industry created a market for their product and necklaces and earrings are now a must for that special someone.

A special candlelight dinner at home or at a favorite restaurant followed by dancing till dawn validates your love for your spouse or lover. One day a year to put romance back in your relationship.

Other traditions and customs :

A young lady would sleep with a bit of rosemary pinned inside her pillow the night before Valentine's Day. This was to help her dream of her sweetheart to be.

If you want to give your sweetheart good luck, wake them with a kiss on Valentine's Day.

A young lady who was brave enough was believed to be able to produce the face of her future mate in a graveyard at midnight on the Eve of Saint Valentine's Day. She would sing a certain chant as she ran around the church 12 times.

A young women was once believed to eventually marry the first single man she met on Valentine's Day.

In some countries, a gift of clothing to a young lady by a suitor was meant as an acceptance of his marriage proposal if she kept the clothing.

Regardless of how you celebrate Valentine's Day, whether it's stay at home or out on the town dancing, don't forget to tell the one you're with how much you love them. That's what Valentine's Day is all about.

Saint Valentine's Day, Novareinna.com

Rites and Superstitions, Novareinna.com

Jerry Wilson, Valentine's Day, Wilstar.com