Every year 14th February is celebrated as the day of romance when people exchange flowers, gifts and cards and express their emotions and feelings for someone. But this day didn’t start exclusively for the lovers. It has a history to say. Valentine’s Day has its roots in different legendary stories that we know for ages, but there are some popular ones also.
The history behind 14th February
About three hundred years after Jesus was crucified, the Roman emperors demanded that everyone should worship the Roman Gods. Valentine, a Christian priest was beheaded on 14th February because of his teachings and a miracle. He had cured the jailer’s daughter of her blindness and he wrote her a letter of farewell, the night before he was executed signing it “From Your Valentine”. It is also said that many children and friends wrote to him as they all loved Valentine a lot and missed him when he was in the jail.
Another story says that the ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, in the honor of a goddess on 15th of February. Young men often chose young girls to escort to the festival. With the introduction of Christianity; the holiday was shifted to 14th February and people celebrated it as the saint’s day for a Christian martyr named Valentine. From then onwards, the custom of choosing a beloved on this particular date spread through Europe and early American colonies. And today, although it is not an official holiday but most Americans celebrate this day as a special day.
Valentine’s Day: A day to express your feelings
Earlier Valentine’s Day was celebrated as a day when couples expressed their romance and love and shared flowers, chocolates and special gifts. For those already in a stable relationship, this was the day to express or reaffirm their love. But today, Valentine’s Day is no more restricted to couples only. It is widely celebrated to show your feelings for anyone you love. It may be your partner, friends, children or parents. It is a special day when individuals can take out some time from their busy schedule and express their love to someone special in their life. The perspective has changed and people are now celebrating this day to define their relationship. The approach is different, couples might buy flowers for each other, and you might get a special gift for your Mom or daughter or might call your dad for a surprise dinner. It can be anything to express your feelings and care.
Creative ideas of celebrating our Valentine’s Day
Are you tired of candlelight dinners, roses and box of chocolates? Why not do something creative and unusual? Here are some exciting ideas:
Visit new places and go clicking: Unlike every year, be different this time and visit some interesting places in your town this day. Take a guided tour and visit all the major tourist spots to refresh your memories. Click lots of pictures of yourselves and create an album.
Organize a party for your friends: Instead of going out to a restaurant and celebrating, prepare food yourself and arrange a party for your special friend or group of friends. You can also plan some interesting games to keep everyone engaged.
Share love with all: Spend the entire day with your partner or with your parents making others happy. You can visit an old age home or an orphanage and donate food, clothes or money to them. This would not only make you feel great, but it will also bring a smile and joy to those who are less fortunate.
Exciting gift ideas to make the day special
There is nothing more special than carrying a gift for someone you love. This shows that you care for the person and he or she is special in your life.
For Your Wife/Girlfriend
Red roses: The velvety crimson petals with long stems and green leaves are perfect to express your love to your partner. The bunch of roses can make a perfect and lovely statement of what the person means to you in your life. Red roses declare your love. So, gift your wife or girlfriend beautiful red roses on this special day, and let her understand what she means to you.
Chocolate: Who doesn’t love chocolates? Your beloved will certainly be elated with these sweet delights. Get a box of chocolate and let your partner be all cheery and beaming with love and happiness.
Jewellery: Exquisite jewellery, be it a ring or a pendant set, will surely work wonders in making your beloved’s day. So, this Valentines get something beautiful for the beautiful lady in your life.
Latest gadget: Grab the latest gadget in town for your lady love and surprise her this Valentine’s Day! Let her flaunt your affection towards her with a magnificent gadget in her hands, which will repeatedly remind her of you.
For your Mother
Jewellery: With a gorgeous set of earrings or a stunning chain, you can definitely convey your hidden feelings for the person who brought you in this world – your mother! So, even if you don’t say it often that you love her, you can certainly portray your love towards her with a superb piece of jewellery.
Saree: Pick a timeless silk or cotton saree from a renowned showroom and gift it to your mother. Make her look truly sophisticated in a designer Saree, which will be perfect for her to wear during the current marriage season.
Spa voucher: Your mother might not be able to get much time for herself. So, gift her a spa voucher and let her pamper herself in a truly relaxing environment.
Cosmetics: Gift a beautifying hamper to your lovely mom this Valentines. Get a trendy cosmetics box and fill it with your mom’s favorite cosmetics. Make her feel as beautiful from outside as she is from the inside!
For Your Husband/Boyfriend
Wallet: This is something that all men need. A premium leather wallet can make room for all your partner’s important cards and cash, and help him to keep the valuable stuff with him always.
Clothes: Gift some classy clothes to your husband or boyfriend this Valentines, and help him put his best foot forward in the party you will be attending later in the evening! Let others be envious of the handsome man in your life!
Personalized mugs: A personalized mug is one of the best gifting options when it comes to selecting a gift for your partner. Let the love of your life enjoy a romantic beverage every morning and remember you even when you are not around, with a personalized mug.
Perfume: A gift of scent is also a great way to show that you love your partner’s presence. Get his favorite perfume and wrap it in a beautiful paper and express your love and care while celebrating the day of love.
For your Father
Classic timepiece: If you want to gift something stylish and elegant to your father, then nothing can be better than a timepiece as it will always remind him of your love and care. Available in a wide variety of ranges, you can surely get the one for your adorable father.
Tie: There is no denying the fact that men love ties! So, help your father exhibit his stunning style statement by wearing a classic tie with his favorite formal clothes.
Business Planner: For the career conscious dads, we have an interesting and useful gifting idea – a business planner! Gift it to your hard working dad and let him manage his tasks in a more organized way.
Collage: You might have captured several priceless moments with your dad. So this Valentines, let those moments come alive in the form of a collage. Get it ready and gift it to your father, so that memories can be cherished forever.
Just remember that Valentine’s Day is not about couples only, it is about loving others and expressing your feelings. So, buy a gift and give a surprise to someone you love and care.