The most romantic day of the year- Valentine’s Day. Everyone knows it, whether you take part in the commercialism of it or not. It’s a day all about love- your love for your beloved, your friends, yourself, or that secret crush. It can give you the opportunity to express your love for your beloved, friends or even yourself. I’m all for putting emphasis on expressing your love for your friends- we don’t do that often enough and the ability to express to your friend that you love them needs to be normalised.
Do you know the origins of Valentines Day, though?
St Valentine
Saint Valentine was a Roman saint who was executed and later martyrd on February 14th- and the feast of St Valentine became tradition on that date. It was then blended with the pagan festival of Lupercalia, to give us the modern day Valentine’s Day. What was Lupercalia?
Lupercalia
If you don’t like the commercialised celebrations of Valentine’s Day, then perhaps look at a slightly different celebration- known as Lupercalia. A festival of Pagan origin to purify, promote health and fertility. Make no mistake- this celebration was sexually charged and would often be bloody and violent. Random coupling would occur for Lupercalia and would last long into the evening- these couples may eventually fall in love and marry- but it certainly wasn’t a requisite to take part in this ancient fertility festival. Wild, unfiltered, passionate and sexual- these are the themes of this festival!
Aphrodisiacs
Food, drinks, scents…they all have something in common- they can be named Aphrodisiacs. They can arouse sexual instinct and increase pleasure- but the word itself comes from Aphrodite- the Greek Goddess of Love. She is so much more than a Goddess of Love, but her name gave us the word Aphrodisiacs- so if you want to honour a Goddess for Valentine’s Day, leave some roses out for Aphrodite.
Veneralia
This Roman festival is celebrated a little later than Valentine’s Day- the 1st of April – but is dedicated to the Roman Goddess Venus- the Goddess of Love (seeing a pattern here?) and there’s no reason why you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day more than once- they’re all Spring Festivals, focusing on beauty, fertility, love. Run yourself a bath, pour a glass of wine (or your favourite cold drink) and take time out of your schedule to just simply be. With or without a partner!
Valentine’s Day is just one day away, and whilst I celebrate with my husband by making a conscious effort to spend time together and being grateful for the relationship we have, there are some wonderful ways to celebrate – here are 4 ways to celebrate Valentines Day.
1- Have a Feast.
Whether you’re alone, with a beloved or celebrating with friends- have a feast! Include food that you enjoy eating, and if it has aphrodisiac qualities, all the better! If it’s warm enough outside, take a picnic and enjoy being outside- I love going for long walks and taking a picnic; there’s something romantic about this tradition- it’s intimate, simple and you can include your favourite foods to eat.
2- Drink Wine. Eat Chocolate.
Is there any better pairing than wine and chocolate? I’m not convinced that there is (prove me wrong though!) so enjoy this delicious indulgence with friends, your beloved, or just yourself and a bubble bath with your favourite book. Divine. If it feels good for you, you can leave an offering for the Goddess- a glass of wine, a cup of honey, a piece of chocolate; something delicious in honour of her!
3- Wear your favourite clothes.
When choosing your outfit for the day- choose something that makes you feel confident, sexy and makes you feel good. Show yourself some love today! You may want to dress casually and comfy, chic and stylish, fancy dress, or sexy. Whatever you choose- choose it for you.
4- Go for A Walk.
One of my favourite memories of Valentine’s Day with my husband was a few years into our relationship- we went for a long walk in the North Yorkshire Moors, my feet got completely drenched from the snow we were walking on so when we got back to his place, we swapped my soaking socks for a pair of his dry ones, snuggled under a blanket with a hot cup of tea and watched a movie. I still remember that day, nearly a decade later. Create some amazing memories with your friends or loved one by going for a long walk.
There are plenty more ideas out there for things you can do on Valentine’s Day- although of course you can simply do nothing! What are you plans this Valentine’s Day? Keeping it tame or going a little on the wilder side this year? Whatever your plans- have the most amazing day!