|
Did you know...Valentine's Day
While many legends revolve around the most romantic day of the year, Valentine's Day, we are reminded that the true meaning of this day is to show love, whether with a kind word, a small symbol of our love in a heartfelt gift, a romantic candlelit dinner...creative couples everywhere show their love in many kinds of ways.
In Japan, it was their tradition to give chocolates to men that had captured their hearts.
However, now it has become somewhat of an obligation to give these chocolates to each of their male co-workers on this day, rather than a voluntary act of appreciation and like.
This chocolate gift is called 'giri-choco', from the words 'giri' which means "obligation" and 'choco' which is a shortened version of 'chokoreeto', "chocolate".
Since then a month later, March 14th has become reciprocal day ("White Day"), when the men are to return the favor, giving a small gift of thanks in white, for the chocolates received on Valentine's Day. However, most of the male population give only to their girlfriends, and is often white lingerie.
In Europe, in the 14th century, modern Valentine symbols came about, including the heart shaped outline of the winged Cupid.
In 1825, the Post Office had transferred 200,000 letters more than usual on Valentine's Day.
In the 20th century, the exchange of hand written notes began to give way to mass-produced greeting cards. The Greeting Card industry estimates approximately one billion cards that are sent each year, world-wide, making this the second largest card-sending holiday, Christmas being the obvious first. Their observation is that women purchase 85% of the cards given. What does that say for the men out there, hmmmm?
In the United States, in about the second half of the 20th century, the card exchange has been broadened to include small gifts from the heart, usually from a man to a woman, in most cases, red roses and chocolates.
Beginning in the early 1980's, the jeweler's began to promote diamonds and other fine jewelry as perfect Valentine's gifts.
Within the United States, it is very common, on Valentine's Day to hear the platonic greeting "Happy Valentine's Day" from men to their female friends, but very rare to hear this kind of greeting spoken to their male friends.
Ever wonder how the phrase "Lovebirds" came into Valentine's Day? Well, as some would say, "It's for the birds." - Quite literally. Found in Africa, brightly colored lovebirds tended to sit very close to their mates, hence the affectionate phrase.
White doves also became part of the tradition, being symbols of loyalty and love and in the way both cared for each of the babies in their brood, together as a team.
So how did lace come to be part of the tradition? Centuries ago, a woman who admired a man walking by, would drop her lace handkerchief. It was an unspoken invitation for him to pick up the little scrap of lace and make an introduction. Since then, it has been incorporated into romance--lacy curtains, lacy wedding dresses, lacy bedspreads, lacy dresses. It's pretty rare to find lace in a bachelor pad.
Ever wonder why "X" means a kiss? Back in the Middle Ages, many men and women lacked the ablity to read or write. When they had signed a document, in place of their name, they would make an "X" With witnesses present, the signer would then kiss the "X" to show themselves worthy of trust. Today, the symbol "X" stands for kiss.
France first adopted kissing as an acceptable form of expressing love, between adult couples. Since figure dancing there was all the rage, at the end of the dance, a kiss would be exhanged.
The custom of kissing quickly swept from France to Europe and on thru Russia. In no time at all, kissing was incorporated into wedding ceremonies. Today the shared lip-lock, after the pronouncement has been made concerning the joined couple, is highly anticipated.
In Rome, early Romans paid homage to each other with a kiss on the eyelids or mouth. They would greet those they deemed diginified in such a manner.
One such Roman emperor considered certain parts of his body off limits to less nobler men, his rule that more important nobles were permitted to kiss his hands, while the less nobler men were permitted to kiss only his feet.
In Russia, the highest opportunity would have been a kiss from Tsar alone. Today many natives show respect yet, by kissing the ground of their Chief after he has passed.
In Wales, wooden love spoons were hand carved and given as token gifts. It was a special treat if you were given a wooden spoon decorated with keys, hearts and keyholes. The decorations had meaning- "You unlock my heart"
What is the meaning of the words "Love seat?" The love seat was first created for one woman and her billowy, wide dress. But later it was redone for courting couples, often in an "S" shape. In fact for some it was referred to as the "courting chair." It allowed just enough room for a man and woman to sit together, but not too close.
For China, their Valentine's Day is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month-this would be August 4 in 2003. Here, lovers are seen to be gazing at the stars remembering the sad legend of two doomed lovers who were forbidden to see each other, outside of this day. For most natives of China, our United States tradition has become a time for family gatherings, when relatives come together and wish each other prosperity and good wishes for the coming year.
How did the heart come to symbolize love? Well, various countries think it too mean various things, but it all sort of ties together.
In ancient Egypt, the Egyptians believed the heart to be the center all all emotions.
In China, the heart is related as well to emotions as well as thought and life.
In Rome, they thought the heart to have contained the soul.
And even the cave dwellers in centuries past, depicted animals across the cave walls, each one painted with a red heart. So even then they understood the heart's significance.
Did you know the oldest known Valentine is on display at the British Museum? It was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, from inside his prison cell.
Did you know that there are real life places in the United States with the name "Valentine" ?
Valentine, Texas has just a population of 187 people, while Valentine, Nebraska has a population of 2,820!
The cute little conversation hearts that are readily sold off the shelves, were created in 1866, then called "Motto Hearts". According to NECCO, these little candies are often bought between January 1 and February 14, a time honored tradition, especially for kids.
Each year a selected group of couples are chosen to be married on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building. Some couples on the observation deck have commented that they had felt electricity sizzling between their lips as they sealed the vows with a kiss.
This is due to the huge static electricity build-up that tends to occur, that far up on the building.
But who needs the Empire State Building to create a sizzle between you and your sweetheart? Just show your love, from your heart. That's all that will matter on this Valentine's Day!
Article by-Jorene Haight
|
|