History of Saint Valentine’s Day
How the Official Holiday of Lovers Began
It is believed that over one billion valentine cards are sent annually. How did this feast day celebrating a martyred Catholic saint become the holiday celebrating love and lovers? Originally, February 15th was a Roman pagan holiday. It was known as Lupercalia and celebrated Faunus (the Roman god of agriculture), the beginning of spring, fertility, and the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. On this day unmarried women’s names were put into a pot. Unmarried men would choose a name and the pair would become romantic couples for the year. These matches often ended in marriage. Ask us about Romantic Places in NH or share comments. To feature your business, contact us.
History of Valentine’s Day
Mystic Sugar Bakery, 2386 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860 | 603-383-3067
Mystic Sugar Bakery specializes in hand-crafted treats made from high-quality, fresh, seasonal, and local products whenever possible. Mystic Sugar Bakery is the lifelong dream and creation of Proprietor Christy Skinner. Originally from Virginia Beach, Christy has spent her life traveling the United States exploring the sweet regional variations on culinary classics, only to add her own touch to these timeless treats. Inquire about Special Orders.
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Franconia Inn, 1300 Easton Rd., Franconia, NH 03580 | 603-823-5542
"In the Land of Big Mountains and Small Villages." Nestled in the heart of the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, The Franconia Inn is a full service country inn, where casual elegance and exquisite cuisine are just waiting to welcome you. Please visit our website for more information.
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Inn at Ellis River House B&B Inn, 17 Harriman Road, Jackson, NH 03846 | 603-383-9339
Enchanting Country Inn offering "Romance & Rejuvenation" on the river in the heart of the White Mountains. 20 rooms and cottage are beautifully appointed with period and modern amenities. Many have Jacuzzis for two and/or balconies, most have fireplaces. Gourmet country breakfast and afternoon refreshments included. Enjoy the cozy game room/pub, hot tub, sauna, and outdoor heated pool. Relax, re-discover lifes simple pleasures, hike, fish, golf nearby, cross country or downhill ski, outlet shop and more. Let the Inn at Ellis River rejuvenate your spirits!
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Chesterfield Inn, 20 Cross Road, Chesterfield, NH 03466
The Chesterfield Inn is a warm, welcoming Bed and Breakfast Inn in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. We specialize in personal service and comfort. Enjoy our delicious country breakfast, cooked to order, with homemade muffins made from scratch each morning. Our romantic candlelit dining room is the perfect place for dinner with a menu of fresh, local food that changes with the seasons. Most guest rooms have fireplaces, pretty views and six rooms are pet friendly. The inn is the perfect place for an intimate wedding.
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Omni Mount Washington Resort, 310 Mt Washington Hotel Rd, Bretton Woods, NH, 03575
Spectacular views. On premises dining. The on-site spa has 13 treatment rooms and offers deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, prenatal massages, and sports massages. Types of treatments available include aromatherapy, Ayurvedic treatments, body scrubs, and body wraps. Check current availabilities and special rates below.
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Around this same time it was believed in England and France that birds began to choose their mates around the middle of February. This helped lead to the romanticizing of Valentine’s Day. Superstition says that the bird you watch on Valentine’s Day will hint at the man you will marry. If you see a squirrel, it means you’ll marry a cheapskate. Seeing a goldfinch means you will marry someone wealthy. Seeing a robin means you will marry a crime fighter. And if you see a flock of doves, that means your marriage will be peaceful and happy.
The tradition of giving cards on Valentine’s Day has been around since the Middle Ages. It is said Valentine sent his love a letter from prison and that is what started the tradition. Or maybe it began from the letters children gave to the saint. Either way, the tradition was popularized in the 17th century with handwritten notes and tokens of affection being exchanged on Valentine’s Day. This tradition became even more popular at the end of the 18th century when the printing press allowed cards to be mass-produced.
Another tradition that got its start in the middle ages was giving roses. The Greeks and Romans believed Eros (Greek, the son of Aphrodite) or Cupid (Roman, the son of Venus) was bringing sweet nectar to the gods on Olympus when he dropped some of the nectar on the ground. Out of the spilled drink grew a rose. Because Eros/Cupid is the god of love, the rose became considered the flower of love. As such, it became the signature gift of Valentine’s Day.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries including America, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, and Denmark. The holiday is no longer restricted to couples but is seen as a day to honor anyone special.
Read about Saint Valentine and more information about the Holiday of Love.
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