SIGNIFICANCE OF VALENTINE’S DAY

Every February 14, across Ghana and in other places around the world, chocolates, flowers, cards and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. It is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romantic love in many regions around the world. Although, it is not declared a public holiday in any country. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of love but who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?

Saint Valentine of Rome was arrested and imprisoned for wedding young Christian couples and aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted in Rome by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus, the ruler of the Roman empire. Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner. However, when Saint Valentine tried to convert the Emperor, he was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stones; when that failed to kill him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. According to popular legend, during his imprisonment Saint Valentine fell in love with a blind girl who happened to be the jailer’s daughter. He restored sight to the blind girl and before his execution he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell.

St. Valentine gave his life so that young couples could be bonded together in holy matrimony. Although they may have killed him, they couldn’t kill his spirit. Even centuries after his death, the story of Valentine’s self-sacrificing commitment to love was legendary in Rome. Eventually, he was granted sainthood and the Catholic Church decided to create a feast in his honor. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). Now that you know the history of St Valentine and the significance of Valentine’s day, what are you looking to get that special person in your life?

As we get closer to Valentine’s Day, one can almost feel the tension building as sweethearts try to figure out what to get their significant others. Fingers are busily tapping keyboards and smart phones, desperately searching for the perfect gift.

She’s thinking what can I get him that could let him know how much he means to me? I’ve got to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for him!

He’s thinking, what do I do? Any guy can get her flowers and cards. What can I do to let her know I actually put some thought and effort into a Valentine’s Day gift for her?

What you need to be looking for is that ’just-right’ Valentine’s Day gift. Something unique that really commemorates your relationship with your sweetheart. Something that captures the two of you at this unique time in your relationship in a way that you will both cherish forever. Something you can enjoy for years to come, that you will always get a kick out of. Something that will take you back to that time and remind you of just how special it was then and how it continues to be special now.

Teddy Bears

Want to make it even more memorable? Why not let us personalise something for you? Send us a photo of the two of you kissing, no? –  okay, send a picture of him or her and get your photo on a portrait frame, a decorative plate with a stand, custom rock frame, a clock or even a throw pillow! Commemorate your love with a personalised message. Now you’ve got something to hang on the wall, set on a mantle, or sit on top of a desk.

Customized Rock Frame

But what if you’re single?  Don’t wallow in loneliness. Turn that day into a special self-pampering occasion.  Take the opportunity to get something lovely for yourself.