Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine's Day. They went from home to home singing:
Curl your locks as I do mine---
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine.
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. Hence the well known saying, "To wear you heart on your sleeve."
In the Middle Ages, people believed that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex you met on the morning of St. Valentine's Day would become your spouse.
In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favorite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"
Another British folk belief was that to insure a dream of your husband to be was to place bay leaves sprinkled with rose water on your pillows on St. Valentine's Day Eve and recite this little prayer:
In dreams, let me my true love see.
Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.
In Victorian times it was considered
bad luck to sign a Valentine's Day card.
Victorians believed that if a lady put a silver coin under her pillow
on Valentine's eve, she'd receive a proposal by the end of the
year.
Valentine's Day didn't become popular in the United States until the
1800s.
During the Civil War valentines for the soldiers and their sweethearts often depicted lovers parting or a tent with flaps that opened to reveal a soldier. These were called "windows." In times of peace the "window" would be a church door, opening on a bride and groom. Another Civil War valentine novelty was for the card to have a place for the sender to place a lock of hair.
In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.
In Japan, girls give Valentine's Day chocolates to boys.
If you are awakened by a kiss on Valentine's day you will have good luck.
Happy Valentine's Day home
A brief history of this holiday.
Flowers & Their Meanings
Do you know the language of flowers? Make sure the flowers you send make just the right statement.
Give Me Your Heart
Hearts and cupids and doves and lace. How did all of these things get connected with love and this holiday?
My Traditional Valentine
Learn about fun valentine traditions of today and yesteryear.
Sweets for the Sweet
Here are some fun facts about conversation hearts and CHOCOLATE. .
Valentine's Day Recipes
The way to their hearts is through their stomachs!
Poetry for Those You Love
These poems are not only for husband and wife, but also for children, parents, and friends. I can't seem to stop adding poems to this page. Come and see.
My Funny Valentine
Want to know who you may marry? This page is full of old and new funny little wives tales that will lead you to your special person. At least that is what we have been told. Let me know if any of these old tales work for you.
Be My Valentine
Most of us will buy valentines to send to our loved ones this year. How did that all get started? What is the hsitory behind that?
Looking for Love?
Take heart! The numbers are in your favor.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
Why wait for marriage? What does God have to say about this issue? Recommended books for single Christians and parents of teenagers.
Astronomy for Families
Classical Music for Families
View my old guestbook
Valentine Clip Art Updated Jan. 4, 2003
