Valentines Day – The Important Tradition Of Chocolate, Roses, And Romance
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kay_Coolidge]Kay Coolidge
“Don’t get me candy,” she may say, but being obedient to this request has occasionally sentenced some logical and straight-forward thinking men to a few days in the dog house. “Okay,” he thinks; “no chocolates, she’s on a diet – she made a special point of letting me know that, message received.” Valentines Day preparations become a little simpler, since red roses are the traditional symbol of love – there’ll be no consternation over which color to choose.
But a lovely luxuriously decorated valentine shaped box of chocolates, if not equal to roses, ranks high as a symbol of love on this all-important day for romantic relationships. It brings with it a message of unconditional love (i.e. “ok, you may need to lose a little weight, but I love you just for being YOU!”), passion, and never-ending love and devotion. Not to mention the long considered, and now scientifically explained, aphrodisiac properties of the chocolate.
According to Mark Twain, “love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired,” and this quote is likely more fitting on Valentines Day than any other day of the year. Traditional Valentines Day gifts, such as chocolates and flowers tend to provide reassurance that the relationship is on an even keel; that despite the changes brought on by time – the original magic of the early years still remains. Of course, Valentines Day, as a romantic holiday along with the chocolates and other gifts currently associated with it, didn’t really flourish in the United States until the mid 20th Century.
In fact, the legend that goes all the way back to the Roman era paints quite a different picture of this holiday and the impetus for it. There are actually three different versions of who the original Saint Valentine was, and the behavior he was noted for, except that in each one he was hailed as a martyr. It is generally reported, though, that Saint Valentine
1. Either performed marriages in secret after the Emperor outlawed it for members of his army
2. Was executed after attempting to help Christians escape from horrific prison conditions, or
3. Sent the very first valentine message to the daughter of his jailor who he had fallen in love with her after she visited him in prison.
Interestingly, there is no mention of either chocolates or flowers being included in any of those versions of that early history.
Clearly, Valentines Day has evolved considerably. It is the second most commercial holiday next to Christmas, and some complain that it has become far too commercialized. Yet, about a billion Valentines cards are sent out each year, even in this digital age. Obviously green and sustainable thinking goes out the window for at least this one day. This is understandable.
After all, something as meaningful as a beautiful and touching card from the most important person in your life needs to be cherished, and an email just doesn’t measure up as a potential family heirloom. Between florist orders, massive sales of all varieties of chocolates, teddy bears, and jewelry, February retail sales often reflect that this one day remains an important not-to-be-missed (if not avoid (or forget) at your own peril) opportunity for couples to set aside the time to demonstrate their love and commitment to each other.
This celebration is not just limited to the United States, either. Valentines Day is celebrated in many cultures. Chocolate often plays a role, though sometimes in a different context, likely due to its reputation for causing people to react as though they’re falling in love. There is, of course, the irresistible luxurious smoothness and taste that always makes a Valentines Day gift of chocolates welcome and highly anticipated. And, fortunately, since they come in a variety of quantities, those who aren’t quite certain what the reaction of the recipient will be can play it safe with a small diet-friendly assortment of Valentines candy.
Kay Coolidge is the founder and proprietor of Popsies Gourmet Popcorn and Sweets Shoppe in Oak Harbor, WA. Popsies online home is http://www.popsiespugetsoundpopcorn.com where you can order the same fresh made-with-love-by-Grandma-Kay popcorn tins filled with your favorite flavors (up to three per tin) that locals clamor for.
Call Kay at 360-240-8937 for unmatched customer service, whether it’s popcorn you’d like or any assortment of candy (see the huge variety on the website-from vintage to the very latest) you’d like included in your ‘care package’ from Whidbey Island’s best kept secret. Need unique party favors or custom gift baskets? Popsies offers free consultation on either, and will prepare and ship your order for timely delivery.
For those who live in the Whidbey Island area or are visiting, stop by 851 SE Pioneer in Oak Harbor to sample the legendary friendly service and witness the amazing jaw-dropping variety of treats available at Popsies for each holiday and in between. You’ll see why locals refer to Popsies as the “Gem” of Historic Downtown Oak Harbor.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Valentines-Day—The-Important-Tradition-Of-Chocolate,-Roses,-And-Romance&id=6858432] Valentines Day – The Important Tradition Of Chocolate, Roses, And Romance
