Valentine's Day Is On The Horizon

Lady Santa Gifts

Traditionally celebrated on February 14, Valentine´s Day is the day for Lovers and Cupid is extremely busy on this day. St. Valentine is considered the patron saint of lovers and the feast day became a lovers´ festival in the 14th century, as an extension of pagan love festivals and fertility rites celebrated in mid-February. Today it is marked by the exchange of romantic cards (valentines), flowers, and other gifts.

Today Valentine´s Day is celebrated by showering loved ones with flowers, candies and gifts, while the story behind the St. Valentine remains shrouded in mystery and speculation. One legend contends that Valentine was a democratic Roman priest serving under Emperor Claudius II´s rule. Single men were thought to make better soldiers than married men, and thus marriage was outlawed for young men. Disagreeing with this policy, Valentine defied Emperor Claudius by performing marriages for young couples in secret until Claudius discovered this revolt and ordered Valentine to death.

Valentine´s Day in ancient Rome was considered to be an important event. The ancient Greeks held celebrations in honor of Juno, the Goddess of Woman and Marriage. The celebration began on February 15th with the feast of Lupercalia. Love lotteries were held on the eve of the festival where girl´s names were written on pieces of paper, and the men drew the name of their partners for the festival duration.

Today, Chinese Valentine´s Day is one of matchmaking by parents and at speed dating parties. Astronomically, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month the Milky Way appears dimmer, supporting the idea of a bridge between the two stars. Another Chinese tradition is for young girls to throw a sewing needle into a bowl full of water on the night of Qi Xi, Chinese Valentine´s Day, as a test of embroidery skills. If the needle floats on top of the water instead of sinking, it is believed to be an indication of the girl being skilled at the art of embroidery.

Men, are you clueless about buying a Valentine´s Day gift for your girlfriend or wife? I bet chocolates and gift baskets have left you with a "been there, done that" feeling. If you are looking for something sexy and romantic for Valentine´s Day, there are web sites offering just what you´re looking for. If you´re going to order something online, you may want to start looking now what with Valentine´s Day quickly approaching, and don´t forget about shipping time.

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