Although we have come a long way since the first Valentine’s Day was first celebrated, we still hold dear to the thought behind it. Many people still feel that flutter, when the day approaches, in anticipation of what it may bring. And so we should! After all, who amongst doesn’t want to think that we have a secret admirer somewhere out there in the world?
These days, of course, some of the innocence of St. Valentine’s Day is lost and we may feel that we are being ‘stalked’ should we receive a missive in the post! But let us hark back to the days before the craziness of the modern world imposed itself on our lives.
Originally, Valentine’s Day, or what passed for that day, was perceived to be a Pagan festival heralding spring. Young girls would put their names in a pot and young men would choose one at random. Throughout the year that certain young man would take care of the girl (perhaps ‘court’ her in today’s modern parlance) until the following spring.
This could have several reasons behind it. One may have been to stop young men hopping from one girl to another, or maybe it was to invoke a sense of responsibility in young folk at an early age – who knows?
Through Victorian times love and romance was considered a little vulgar so hidden messages in the form of jewelry became popular. A brooch in the shape of a bee was often used as a love token with the meaning ‘bee sure of my intentions’. How romantic! Yet the Victorians, prudish as they were, were perhaps the raciest bunch of people around. Imagine that even piano legs had to be covered with decorative throws in case they invoked the sexual urge amongst men! How strange is that?
There are beautiful examples of silk cards from the Victorian era in museums around the world and they encapsulate the most beautiful expressions of love ever seen. Some have become collector’s items and are highly valued.
Today, of course, we have joined the electronic age and we are much more likely to receive an e card or text on St. Valentine’s Day instead of the romantic missive that we were used to. If you are the advocate for ‘it is the thought that counts’ brigade then that is all well and good. But if, like most of us, you would like something a little more tangible then there is still plenty of choice on offer.
Gift baskets have become very popular and can be sent direct to the door of your intended target. What is in the basket depends on your choice. Perhaps you would like to send the ubiquitous
chocolate and candy basket to show your intended love that you have ‘sweet’ feelings for her (and increasingly women are also sending St. Valentine’s Day goodies to their sweethearts).
If candy is not the ideal gift – some people are on the inevitable diet – then flowers are perhaps the other popular gift. Some people don’t like the thought of fresh flowers dying so would prefer to send an exotic plant. Orchids are a good bet and are not so difficult to take care of. Neither are Bonzai trees (exact miniature, living replicas of full size trees) which have come down in price since they have become increasingly popular.
Be aware, too, that flowers have different meanings and should your intended be a little clever, she can find out very easily what they are supposed to mean! You, in all innocence, may send off a huge bouquet of orange lilies not knowing that they stand for hatred! Yes, even the colors have different meanings so do a little research before sending off the gift.
If all else fails, why not send a gift of jewelry? This rarely goes wrong and most people will be awed at getting something just a little bit different. Naturally, some jewelry can be expensive but if she is worth it, then why not? But you don’t need to break the bank. Some pieces come in silver as well as gold and are much more economical.
Perhaps the lady likes ear-rings? With these you can be doubly clever. Why not send ear-rings in the shape of flowers for St. Valentine’s Day? ‘Two birds with one stone’ as the saying goes and she would treasure them I am sure. Of course, it doesn’t have to be flowers; there are many styles of ear-rings to choose from but be careful. What would suit Aunty Maud may not suit your sweetie so do some clever research beforehand.
Bracelets and necklaces are always a popular choice and also come in gold and silver choices. Three colored gold is becoming increasingly popular and goes with just about anything she cares to wear. It comes in the normal yellow gold, pinkish gold and white gold, and when interwoven makes a very charming piece to give to your sweetheart.
With rings it is best to be a little careful. If your intention is to tell her that you want the relationship to be more permanent then go ahead. But she may be sorely disappointed – not to say embarrassed – when you present a ring-sized box and what she finds inside is not an engagement ring!
Women tend to more intuitive than men when it comes to gift giving. They can normally work out what a man would like way before the date comes around. Unfortunately, men seem to have a mental block when it comes to dates and
gift ideas (some not all!). Women, knowing this, will surely hint at things that they would like to receive as a gift but, short of actually putting it in writing, some men miss the whole point!
Whatever you give, be it him to her or her to him, just choose a little carefully and then give it with whole-hearted love and affection. Sometimes it is the thought that counts and many romances have blossomed from this day and the custom of gift giving.
