romance at the beach house Hotel
Valentine's Day Walks
Romantic Overnight Package for two
Where does valentine's day come from?
Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love and affection observed each year on February 14th, has a rich and varied history, intertwining ancient customs with modern traditions. This day, dedicated to St. Valentine, has evolved over centuries from its Roman origins to become a significant cultural and commercial phenomenon across the globe, particularly in the UK.
The earliest roots of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in the middle of February. This pagan festival, which predated the establishment of Valentine’s Day by several centuries, was a celebration of fertility and the coming of spring. However, with the spread of Christianity, pagan rituals were often repurposed or replaced by Christian festivals. In the case of Valentine’s Day, the celebration was rebranded to honour Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who, according to legend, performed weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry under Roman law. The association of St. Valentine with love and romance, however, is not clearly documented and seems to have evolved over time.
love in the middle ages
The transformation of Valentine’s Day into a celebration of romantic love is largely attributed to the Middle Ages in England and France, where it was believed that birds began their mating season on February 14th. This belief was popularised by poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer, who, in the 14th century, wrote in “The Parliament of Fowls” about the day when birds choose their mates. This romantic notion helped to solidify the connection between St. Valentine’s Day and the expression of love.
By the 17th century, Valentine’s Day had become widely celebrated in the UK. People of all social classes exchanged tokens of affection, such as handwritten notes and small gifts, with their loved ones. The practice of sending written valentines began to gain popularity, a precursor to the greeting cards that are so synonymous with the holiday today.
The industrial revolution of the 19th century brought significant changes to how Valentine’s Day was celebrated. With advances in printing technology and the postal service, the exchange of mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards became possible and quickly grew in popularity. These cards, often adorned with lace and ribbons and featuring romantic poetry, allowed Victorians to express their feelings in a manner that was both elegant and socially acceptable.
modern love
In modern times, Valentine’s Day in the UK retains much of its traditional charm while also embracing contemporary practices. It is a day when lovers, friends, and family members express their affection through the exchange of cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts. Restaurants, cinemas, and other venues often see a surge in bookings as couples celebrate the occasion. Furthermore, the holiday has expanded to include more inclusive celebrations of love in all its forms, moving beyond romantic love to acknowledge friendships and familial bonds.
Despite the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day, the essence of the celebration remains the same: a day to celebrate love and affection. From its ancient origins to its current status as a hallmark holiday, Valentine’s Day in the UK has evolved while still maintaining its core as a special day to express love and appreciation for those we hold dear.
