BELGIQUE UK

Love history: Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly known as Valentine's Day it is celebrated in many countries around the world on February 14. The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages.







The Legend

St. Valentine's Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus but the most popular one associated with a Roman priest Saint Valentine.
According to the legend during the third century the Emperor, Claudius II, was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns and was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. So, he decided not to allow any more marriages in Rome!
Even after Emperor Claudius passed his law, Saint Valentine kept on performing marriage ceremonies – secretly.
When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. Many young people went to the jail to visit him and threw flowers and notes up to window. One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard who was allowed by her father to visit him during his confinement.
On the day of his execution, on the 14th day of February, left a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty signed it, "Love from your Valentine."


Modern times

• The first Valentine card was sent by Charles, duke of Orleans, to his wife in 1415 when he was a prisoner in the Tower of London. 
• In 1797, a British publisher issued The Young Man's Valentine Writer, which contained scores of suggested sentimental verses for the young lover unable to compose his own. That made possible - for the first time - to exchange cards anonymously. Paper Valentines became so popular in England in the early 19th century that they were assembled in factories. 
• Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates packed in a red satin, heart-shaped box. 

At Belgique you have the option for a more personalized day with special Valentine’s Day cakes - by Belgique - in order to send a unique message to your loved ones.







Even if you are sending flowers, chocolates or other gifts to express your love like used to do in Europe or you make "acts of appreciation" for your friends like in Latin America or you put stickers on faces and clothing of a friend or a relative like in Lithuania you can always have a perfect Valentine’s Day at Belgique.