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The History And Origin Of Valentine's Day
By Tony Luck
The oldest Valentine card still in existence was sent in 1415 by Charles Duke of Orleans,
at the time a prisoner in the Tower of London, to his wife. The Duke's Valentine’s
card is now preserved and displayed in the British Museum.
However, the origins of Valentine’s Day lie in ancient Rome. Over the years the ever
expanding Roman empire became more difficult to police and there was an increasing
shortage of soldiers. Believing that married men were too attached to their families and
unlikely to sign up for active service, Emperor Claudius II banned marriage, thinking this
would increase the number of quality recruits.
The story goes that a Christian priest by the name of Valentine, seeing the unhappiness
and trauma that resulted, secretly married couples in defiance of the new law.
It wasn’t long before Emperor Claudius found out about Valentine’s actions and
the priest was imprisoned and eventually executed on February 14, 270.
Whilst in prison, Valentine was befriended by his jailer, a character called Asterius.
Asterius had a blind daughter and the jailer asked Valentine to cure her, which he
supposedly did. Shortly before his execution, Valentine asked for writing implements and
signed a farewell message to the jailer’s daughter “From your Valentine”, a
phrase that has lived on, much to the delight of modern day florists, rose growers and
card companies!
Author: Tony Luck runs a personalized gifts
site that specializes, among other things, in personalized ceramics - greeting cards,
commemorative plates and tankards.
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Say "I Love You" For Valentine's Day
By Jeffrey Strain
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the perfect
gift for the one you love. Whether you are looking for something special on a tight budget
or would simply like to add something special to another gift, there's no better way to
express your love than by saying it in a variety of languages.
Find a nice jar and cut different colored paper into heart-shaped pieces. Write "I
Love You" in a different language on each heart and place it in the jar. Continue
doing this until the jar is full. Add a nice ribbon around the jar and you have a
wonderful jar of "Love" to give.
If you want Valentine's Day to last longer, write each "I Love You" in a
different language on a colored, heart-shaped piece of paper. Then place each heart into a
separate envelope. For the next two months, each day you can place a new envelope
somewhere where your partner will find it making your love - and Valentine's Day - last a
couple of months rather that a single day.
If you are in a more playful mood, cut out the heart-shaped pieces of paper and write
"I Love You" in a different language along with a hint where your partner can
find the next envelope. Have your partner do a scavenger hunt to find each envelope until
they come to the final piece where "I Love You" is written in English with
whatever Valentine gift you have decided to give.
No matter how you ultimately decide to give the gift of "I Love You," it'll be a
gift long remembered and cherished by the person who receives it.
***** Different Ways To Say "I Love You" *****
1. a) Arabic -- Ana behibak (to male)
1. b) Arabic -- Ana behibek (to female)
2. Bavarian -- I mog di narrisch gern
3. Bengali -- Ami tomake bhalobashi
4. Brazilian (Portuguese) -- Eu te amo
5. Bulgarian -- Obicham te
6. Burmese -- Chit pa dev
7. Cambodian -- Bon sro lanh oon
8. Chinese (Cantonese) -- Ngo oi ney
9. Chinese (Mandarin) -- Wo ie ni
10. Croatian -- Ljubim te
11. Czech -- Miluji te
12. Danish -- Jeg elsker digv
13. Dutch -- Ik hou van jou
14. Esperanto -- Mi amas vin
15. Estonian -- Mina armastan sind
16. Filipino -- Mahal ka ta
17. Finnish -- Mina rakastan sinua
18. Flemish -- Ik zie oe geerne
19. French -- Je t'aime
20. Gaelic -- Ta gra agam ort
21. German -- Ich liebe dich
22. Greek -- S' agapo
23. a) Hebrew -- Ani ohev otach (to female)
23. b) Hebrew -- Ani ohev otcha (to male)
24. Hindi -- Mai tumse pyar karta hoo
25. Hopi -- Nu' umi unangwa'ta
26. Hungarian -- Szeretlek
27. Icelandic -- Eg elska thig
28. Indonesian -- Saja kasih saudari
29. Irish -- Taim i' ngra leat
30. Italian -- Ti amo
31. Japanese -- Kimi o ai shiteru
32. Javanese -- Kulo tresno
33. Korean -- Tangsinul sarang ha yo
34. Lao -- Koi muk jao
35. Latin -- Te amo
36. Latvian -- Es milu tevi
37. Macedonian -- Sakam te
38. Malay -- Saya cintamu
39. Mohawk -- Konoronhkwa
40. Navaho -- Ayor anosh'ni
41. Norwegian -- Eg elskar deg
42. Persian -- Tora dost daram
43. Polish -- Kocham cie
44. Portuguese -- Amo-te
45. Romanian -- Te iu besc
46. Russian -- Ya vas liubliu
47. Serbian -- Lubim te
48. Shona -- Ndinokuda
49. Sioux -- Techihhila
50. Slovak -- Lubim ta
51. Spanish -- Te quiero
52. Swahili -- Naku penda
53. Swedish -- Jag a'lskar dig
54. Tagalog -- Mahal kita
55. Thai -- Ch'an rak khun
56. Tunisian -- Ha eh bak
57. Turkish -- Seni seviyo rum
58. Ukrainian -- Ja tebe kokhaju
59. Vietnamese -- Toi yeu em
60. Welsh -- 'Rwy'n dy garu di
61. Yiddish -- Ich libe dich
62. Yugoslavian -- Ya te volim
63. Zulu -- Ngiyakuthanda
Copyright (c) Jeffrey Strain - http://www.inexpensivedating.com
is a website dedicated to sharing fun and inexpensive dating ideas.
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Valentine's Day
- A Guide for Men
By Indra Books
Did you know that after Christmas, Valentine's Day is the biggest retail holiday? That
means a variety of things for you the consumer, but mostly it means the market is
saturated with a plethora of heart-shaped, cutesy, not so worth it products. I have a
philosophy…one that is not always popular…but here it goes. If you love someone,
then saying "I love you" is a full time job, not one accomplished by dime store
shrink-wrapped chocolates and plush toys holding bags of candy hearts.
Don't get me wrong. These things were great when we were 10, but we are adults now so here
are a few ways to ensure you have a classy holiday that shows you put a lot of thought
into it.
The key to success if knowing your significant other's tastes and not stepping on a land
mine in the process of telling her how much you care. Yes, this article is geared mostly
towards the men out there who are trying to get it right this year. However, women, you
can take heed of this advice as well because I don't know a man alive who wants a teddy
bear holding a cheap satin heart.
1. Ask yourself "Do I know her tastes well enough to buy a personalized gift?"
We are going to help you sort this out, but you are going to have to too.
2. What is your budget? Financial troubles as a result of overspending on Valentine's Day
are not going to help your romantic life.
3. Always be classy. You don't have to spend a fortune to achieve style.
We have broken the choices down by the major items generally purchased for Valentine's
Day. This by no means is an all-inclusive list, but will put you on the road to victory.
Chocolate:
Does she like it? If not, then obviously skip this traditional gift. Does she have a
favorite brand? Or favorite ingredient?
Whatever your answers to those questions, do not buy shrink wrapped, generic chocolate. We
are not a big fan of the heart shaped, fake lace and Elvis velvet. You know what I am
talking about. Now avoid it! A simple, elegant box with a nice ribbon is much classier.
Flowers:
Does she like flowers? (Remember some people are allergic to certain flowers)
Does she have a favorite? There is not a rule that says you must be red roses. I happen to
love yellow roses and it would be a sign to me that my mate understood me if he bought me
yellow roses instead of traditional red.
Jewelry:
Now talk about a land mine. If you are determined to buy jewelry, consult her friends and
family to find out what she likes and wants if you are not absolutely positive. Good
jewelry is an expensive proposition to screw up. Avoid heart shaped anything…please,
I am begging you. The act of giving her the jewelry is saying "I love you,"
there is no need to tattoo it on her forehead so to speak by giving her a heart shaped
necklace she feels obliged to wear all of the time.
Dinner or Brunch:
1. Go where you will both be comfortable
2. Make reservations to avoid waiting
3. If you want to try something new, go somewhere that you both have wanted to try.
4. If you are nervous about a new place and you want the perfect evening, check out the
place ahead of time.
5. Be yourself. For example, if you are not a wine expert then ask for help from the
staff. We women like a guy who will ask.
Or be daring…don't go out to eat. If you are not a very good cook, order take away
from a local establishment (not fast food or pizza) or hire a personal chef, and put your
time into setting a beautiful table. She will be very impressed that you made the effort.
Lingerie:
Oh yet another land mine. Do you get the feeling this holiday was meant to test the best
of relationships? Be careful here. Your fantasies may not be her desires. And please,
please, please again be classy not tacky. Cheap lingerie does not say "I love
you." It says "I'm cheap or you are a tramp." If you aren't sure about this
one at all, then make it a partner activity. Tell her you want to buy her something nice
and that you want to do it together.
Other Gifts:
There is no rule that your Valentine's Day gift has to be heart shaped, red/pink or
traditional. I don't recommend buying her a blender or cordless drill, but if there is
something that she has really been checking out and you can afford it, then show her that
you have been paying attention and go for it.
Travel:
Many places offer weekend specials for Valentine's Day, but often are booked well in
advance. As an alternative, plan a weekend away at a different time and give this to her
as a gift over your Valentine's Day dinner.
Proposals:
OK, we saved this one for last because it is a big one. For some reason, the multitudes
feel that proposing on Valentine's Day is the thing to do. In case you couldn't tell from
this article, I am encouraging you to think out of the box. Valentine's Day proposals have
come to be expected. Why not be different, propose at a random time and really surprise
her. However, if you feel that you must succumb to the pressure, do it right. Follow all
of our tips above and crank them up a notch. Again, be creative but classy. You want her
to remember this special time.
So here you are at the end of the article and about ready to chuck in the towel. Don't! We
know you can do it. Take a deep breath, do not wait until the last minute and if it all
seems a bit too overwhelming, call in help. Use your resources and make this a truly
special day that is only the beginning of a truly special year of romance.
Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder
of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC
metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate
life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO
4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and
decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net
© 2005 Indra A Books for ON THE GO 4 U
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How to Plan a
Valentine's Party
by Susan Dunn
First decision: date and time. Your best shot for getting lots of guests is to pick a
not-prime time. Try something the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, for instance, or
Sunday, the day after. Also an off-time, such as brunch of lunch instead of cocktail or
evening party. Check to make sure “key players” can come. Also a time when
you’ll have the week before to do the work.
Guest List Write down whom you want to invite and take a count. This determines everything
from cost to venue to refreshments.
Where will you have it? Your home? A romantic outdoor patio restaurant? A restaurant with
a fireplace and strolling violinist? The rec room at your apartment complex? If
you’re going to rent, call ahead and find out how many people they can accommodate,
if the place is available that day, how much it will cost, what’s included in the
rental fee, and what other services are available. If you’re renting a place, go
there and talk to the catering decorator, walk around and take a tour. Questions will
occur to you that might not otherwise: ·Can you bring your own food and drinks? ·What
about decorating? ·Are there separate fees for room rental, security, maintenance,
waiters, insurance, etc.? ·How’s the parking and public transportation. This can
make a big difference in your guests desire to come, for instance on a rainy night.
What’s the theme? Well, Valentine’s, but romantic? Light-hearted? Formal?
Casual? Choose your theme and then plan your tablecloths, tableware and dishes, glasses,
decorations, invitations, party favors, music.
Schedule of Party “Events” ·Plan a time for mingling, with drinks and hors
d’oeuvres before a dinner – that’s how people “warm up” ·If
you’re having honorary speeches or some such (20 minutes is plenty of time to allot
for this), allow time afterwards, because the conversation will be primed ·Provide music
for background according to the tone of your event – rock band, romantic piano, harp,
etc.
Now coordinate what you’ve decided on so far Make sure time, place, theme, and cost
all gel. Here are some adjustments you can make ·Hard liquor, mixed drinks are expensive.
If you’re having lots of people, switch to beer and wine, or make an alcoholic punch.
·To cut costs, try something thematic like a bottle of Valentine wine, that is, from the
Valentine Vineyards, in Southern Mendocino County. The labels on the wine are cool for a
Valentine’s Party! ·You can buy party trays at Sam’s or at Local Fancy Catering
Boutique or you make them. Making them is probably going to cost more than Sam’s, but
it has it’s virtues, Caterers can be very pricey, but then there’s no work for
you to do. ·Ordering a beautifully decorated cake is a good way to handle dessert for a
crowd. It brings everyone around, is festive, and easy to manage. ·Music can be live
(more expensive) or your radio or CDs (no cost). ·Will you want a maid? The day before to
clean? The day of the party to help serve and clean up? Or both? (Be sure and check out
her uniform. You could provide a cute Valentine’s apron for her.) ·Need a bartender?
Also check on his uniform. You don’t want any surprises. ·Arrange for photography
– stills, candids, videos, a professional photographer? ·Decorations – floral
arrangements are probably the most expensive, but they can sure dress up a table. ·You
can go to a party store and look around according to your theme, if you’re going with
paper goods. ·If you have your own china, crystal, etc. start planning how to get it
clean and shining and ready to go. ·If you want to purchase permanent tableware, visit a
store like Tuesday Morning and see what they have. (Tip: Shop right after Valentine’s
this year and see what they put on sale! Then you’ll be ready for next year.)
Elegant doesn’t have to be more expensive People instinctively cut back when the
goods are pricey, i.e., if you serve Beluga Prime from Caviarteria in New York (price
$750/lb.), your guests won’t be expecting to make a meal of it, and who can eat more
than a dab of caviar anyway? If you’re providing Krug Clos du Menil from
Sherry-Lehmann in New York ($1,400 a case), no one’s going to be chugalugging it.
Tell them it’s Kobe beef (up to $500/lb.) and they’ll be too horrified to ask
for seconds. Make Julia’s Child classic chocolate cake, all of 1” high, and one
small sliver suffices even the piggiest eater. It’s richer even than a
Starbuck’s brownie. These things titillate your senses other than raw hunger and so
are very satisfying in another sort of way. Have a classic piano in the background, and
people naturally move into refined slow-motion. However, if you’ve got bins of queso
dip and tortilla chips, everyone will have that belly-up-to-the-bar approach to the
"chow line". If JC and the Sunshine Bang are cranking it out, well all impulses
are on “go” and all inhibitions are "low"!
Brunches are quite economical! Call those pancakes crepes – no, really, it’s a
separate recipe and divine, but nevertheless it's basically flour and water. Serve a light
fruit punch or Bloody Mary’s, some bacon and sausage, a light salad, green or fruit
… won’t cost much at all. I recommend Julia Child’s crepe recipe, and
definitely the flaming orange crepes. They nearly put your tongue to sleep, and again,
these things are so “rich,” no one wants more than a taste. A little trick
thrifty hostesses learn!
Entertainment Live entertainment adds a really special note to a home party. Local talent
is probably available that isn’t expensive. Check with universities, colleges, high
schools, and churches – the choral directors, the music or dance department. Yes,
they'll bring the whole choir to your event, sometimes in appropriate costume. Check the
yellow pages. There may be several children’s dance groups, and they are always
charming, because children can do no wrong, entertainment wise. Check the ballet and tap
schools and see if you have a boys’ choir.
Make decisions and book it. Also get a babysitter for the kids – or send them all
over to your sister’s with a sitter over there. Book your hair and nails. Send out
the invitations. (Want to do something cute online? Try here. Put all your
“details” in a notebook. Add notes after the party; that's how we learn. Start
cleaning, cooking ahead and freezing, polishing glasses and silverware, and cleaning the
farther corners of the house.
The little touches Now have some fun. Look on the Internet for things like
Valentine’s candles and Valentine’s soap for your guest room, and a
Valentine’s wreath for your door, and maybe a heart-shaped doormat. These are little
touches you CAN add, not things you MUST have.
If it’s in your home, always have something hot to serve that’s in the oven as
the guests arrive and smells divine.
Tip: Always use candlelight if you can. It hides a multitude of “sins,” i.e.,
dust bunnies and carpet stains, and sets a gentle ambience. Even the fascist white-glove
divas are calmed by soft lighting.
If you want a good turnout, do your PR work. Talk up the party with friends as you see
them, or give them a call to see if they got their invitation. Drop a hint about the Clos
du Menil, or the Big Band. Tell them you've got a group babysitter. Ask them for
suggestions, get them involved and committed.
That should get you started.
Oh, and isn't this the year you were going to be good to yourself. Wouldn't everyone,
including the dog, be happier if he spent the night at the kennel?
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc sdunn@susandunn.cc.
Click here to view more of their articles.
Susan Dunn, MA, Psychology, Emotional Intelligence Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Coaching, Internet courses
and ebooks around emotional intelligence for career, relationships, transitions,
resilience, personal and professional development. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc
for free ezine. |
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Valentine's Day Greeting Cards on the Internet
Humorous
Valentine's Day Cards
Free Email
Greeting Cards.
Free
Animated Email Greeting Cards
Animated
Valentine Greetings
Animated
eCards
1001 Postcards
Action Cat Postcards
Animated CyberKisses
Apple Hollow
Postcard Shoppe Love Selection
Awesome Valentines
*Be Mine* Greetings
BlackDog's Postcards
Blue Mountain Art
BonoGram Electronic Postcard
Bristo's Valentine's Day
Cards.co.za, from South Africa
Care-Mail
Castle Mountain
Postcards
Computer Ads Plus Postcards
ComputerUserGroup
Greeting Cards
Custard Pie Postcards
Cyber-Cards.com
Daryn's Postcard Palace
Digital Card
Electronic Antique Postcards
Eureka Springs, Arkansas Postcards
The Florist 800 Network
Forever Yours Musical Greeting
Cards
Greetz.Com
Her Kitty Kitty
Postcards
IFLOWERS Virtual Gallery
India Express Greeting
Cards
Lisa Digital
Postcards
Love Yahoo Style
Mail a Meal Postcard
Main Strike
Valentine Day Cards
MakeMeHappy.Com
Main Strike - Webcards
MegaPoint's Valentine's Day
Digital Greeting Cards
Mimi's Cyber Kitchen
ObjectsFusion Cards
Paris Mon Amour
A Passion for Parrots Valentine's Day
Postcards
Player Net
Romantic Postcards from Paris
Send V-Mail to your
Sweetie
Valentine Cards
Valentine Card
Online
Valentines Day Card Center from
DC Registry
Valentine's Day at Virtual Chocolate
Valentine Wall - to send a
valentine message
Valentines Web
Viet San Diego On-line
Virtual Gifts @Meetgreeks.com
Virtual Presents
WIld Flower Greeting Cards |
Home Page
Happy
Birthday
to You
I Only Have
Eyezzz For
You!
You Are My Valentine
Val Kisses!
I Will Love You As Long As...
Your Love is Lifting Me Higher
!
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