Valentine's Day in Croydon
Valentine's Day in Croydon
This is the Activcroydon guide to love, hugs and to the history of Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is on February 14th every year; it is a great day for taking the time to tell that special someone in your life that you love them.
However, there is a divide in opinion as some people dislike the celebration and all it stands for. These people believe that it is all commercialism and just another day for businesses to earn some money. Whilst others, the romantics out there, view it as an opportunity to show how much they care.
We at Activcroydon feel that at this time of year, amongst all the doom and gloom of the current financial climate, a little expression, or gift, to show that you care cannot be a bad thing.
The Origins of Valentine's Day
Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who refused to give up his love for Christianity. He died on February 14th, 269 A.D... Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his lover and his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Nowadays the meaning of St Valentine's Day remains the same as days gone by; it is a time when we declare our love to someone special in our lives. We give gifts, do silly things, embarrass ourselves and it's all in good fun.
For hundreds of years, February 14th has continued to be a celebration of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. All over the world the date is marked by sending poems and simple gifts, such as flowers, to loved ones and secret loves. Flowers are the most popular gifts by far!
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first Valentine card and commercial Valentine's cards were introduced in the 1800's and the tradition of sending cards has grown into a billion pound industry.
Valentine Traditions Past and Present
Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on St.Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was:
Good morning to you, valentine;
Curl your locks as I do mine ---
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine.
In Wales and Ireland wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their Valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling about them. Nowadays it's just a simple text message or a cheesy chat up line - bring back romance we say. Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire. We dread to think what a vulture meant!
Activcroydon Guide To Valentine's Day Disasters
Here are some true Valentines Day disaster stories. So plan for the unexpected...
On 14th February 2011 Don Mack had been to the local jewellers shop to pick up a very expensive engagement ring he had bought for his long term girlfriend Tina Wicks. He had arranged to meet Tina at their favourite place in the local park. He had been planning this day for awhile and he had bought a huge love-heart balloon and had set up a delicious picnic for them both to share. Don tied the ring onto the balloon then attached it onto a small tree for safe keeping. Tina arrived to see Don and the picnic. Don was now holding the balloon behind his back as a surprise, he then went down on one knee to ask Tina to marry him. She rushed at Don in her excitement to say yes and tripped and fell onto him, thus making Don lose his grip on the balloon and letting it escape into the air, with the ring still attached to it, never to be seen again! This caused an argument and then a break up. MORAL: Never tie a ring to a balloon.
Australia 2011, Bondi Beach, on St. Valentine's Day. Joey Rotchi was with his girlfriend Lou Trapani. It was a calm day, with calm seas, so as a Valentine treat Joey decided to set up a small breakfast on his surf board and share it with Lou just as the sun came up. Floating just off shore the surfers had just finished breakfast when a hungry shark decided it was time for his breakfast and took a large bite out of the surfboard. Luckily, both Lou and Joey got away unhurt. MORAL: Sharks hate St. Valentine's day.
Other useful Valentine Tips
Croydon Business' That Can Help You Make This Valentine's Day Special
Look at the following links to find that perfect gift in Croydon:
This is the Activcroydon guide to love, hugs and to the history of Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is on February 14th every year; it is a great day for taking the time to tell that special someone in your life that you love them.
However, there is a divide in opinion as some people dislike the celebration and all it stands for. These people believe that it is all commercialism and just another day for businesses to earn some money. Whilst others, the romantics out there, view it as an opportunity to show how much they care.
We at Activcroydon feel that at this time of year, amongst all the doom and gloom of the current financial climate, a little expression, or gift, to show that you care cannot be a bad thing.
The Origins of Valentine's Day
Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who refused to give up his love for Christianity. He died on February 14th, 269 A.D... Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his lover and his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Nowadays the meaning of St Valentine's Day remains the same as days gone by; it is a time when we declare our love to someone special in our lives. We give gifts, do silly things, embarrass ourselves and it's all in good fun.
For hundreds of years, February 14th has continued to be a celebration of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. All over the world the date is marked by sending poems and simple gifts, such as flowers, to loved ones and secret loves. Flowers are the most popular gifts by far!
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first Valentine card and commercial Valentine's cards were introduced in the 1800's and the tradition of sending cards has grown into a billion pound industry.
Valentine Traditions Past and Present
Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on St.Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was:
Good morning to you, valentine;
Curl your locks as I do mine ---
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine.
In Wales and Ireland wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their Valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling about them. Nowadays it's just a simple text message or a cheesy chat up line - bring back romance we say. Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire. We dread to think what a vulture meant!
Activcroydon Guide To Valentine's Day Disasters
Here are some true Valentines Day disaster stories. So plan for the unexpected...
On 14th February 2011 Don Mack had been to the local jewellers shop to pick up a very expensive engagement ring he had bought for his long term girlfriend Tina Wicks. He had arranged to meet Tina at their favourite place in the local park. He had been planning this day for awhile and he had bought a huge love-heart balloon and had set up a delicious picnic for them both to share. Don tied the ring onto the balloon then attached it onto a small tree for safe keeping. Tina arrived to see Don and the picnic. Don was now holding the balloon behind his back as a surprise, he then went down on one knee to ask Tina to marry him. She rushed at Don in her excitement to say yes and tripped and fell onto him, thus making Don lose his grip on the balloon and letting it escape into the air, with the ring still attached to it, never to be seen again! This caused an argument and then a break up. MORAL: Never tie a ring to a balloon.
Australia 2011, Bondi Beach, on St. Valentine's Day. Joey Rotchi was with his girlfriend Lou Trapani. It was a calm day, with calm seas, so as a Valentine treat Joey decided to set up a small breakfast on his surf board and share it with Lou just as the sun came up. Floating just off shore the surfers had just finished breakfast when a hungry shark decided it was time for his breakfast and took a large bite out of the surfboard. Luckily, both Lou and Joey got away unhurt. MORAL: Sharks hate St. Valentine's day.
Other useful Valentine Tips
- · Don't buy flowers if your love ones are allergic to them;
- · Buy thoughtful gifts to show you really care - fish wrapped up in news paper is never a goodone!
- · Think outside the chocolate boxand put lots of effort in to your Valentine day. After all this is your special person special day.
- · You don't have to spend millions to tell some one you love them. Flowers are a very personal gift when you choose them yourself. (But do not steal them from local parks or from cemeteries - that's definitely a no...no!)
- · How about a funny or romantic card handmade or paid for with great words and a special personal message attached (Do not use old cards from old boyfriends/girlfriends with the name tipxed out this could spell trouble).
- · Make a nice meal or maybe book a resteronte; even take out is ok. (Just spend time with your loved one; friends and mates not included its only one night after all).
Croydon Business' That Can Help You Make This Valentine's Day Special
Look at the following links to find that perfect gift in Croydon:
- · Relax enjoy your time together - feel the love. Smell the roses, think outside the chocolate box and do something that will really show you care this and every Valentine's Day.
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