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Roses are red, violets are blue,
Why are we celebrating? Saint Valentine who?
Valentine's Day
Origins
Celebrated annually on February 14th around the world is Valentine's Day. In these modern times, it is celebrated with expressions of love in the form of chocolates, roses, and gifts given to that special someone, or perhaps received by a secret admirer, but how did it all come to be?
Historians have argued the true origins of Valentine's Day and they believe there have been over eleven saints all named Valentine commemorated in the Roman Catholic Church. One of which was Saint Valentine of Rome, who was imprisoned in the home of a noble for performing secret weddings for lovers against the wishes of the authorities. During his time behind bars, it was said he healed his captor's daughter of her blindness. He was then tortured and decapitated on February 14th after the miraculous act converted the entire household to Christianity. It was believed before his untimely fate that he sent a note to the captor's daughter signed, 'Your Valentine'.
Although Saint Valentine was met with a grisly end, Valentine's Day is celebrated all over the world in many fascinating and much more romantic ways - less decapitation and more declarations of love:
Valentine's Around The World
Japan
In Japan, it is the women who buy gifts and chocolates for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. The men return this gesture on 14th March, which is called the White Day.
Romania
In Romania the day is celebrated on 24th February where loved-up couples go into the forests and pick flowers, commemorating the beginning of Spring, and wash their faces with snow for good luck.
Denmark
In Denmark, Valentine's Day is celebrated by friends and lovers exchanging handmade cards with pressed snowdrop flowers in them.
Spain
In Spain the day of love is commemorated on 9th October, where men make figurines out of marzipan called 'macadora' and gift them to their companions.
South Korea
In South Korea, couples celebrate the day of love on the 14th day of every month. The 'Day of Roses' is celebrated in May, 'Day of Kisses' is celebrated in June, and the 'Day of Hugs' in December.
Ghana
In Ghana, February 14th is celebrated as 'National Chocolate Day'. As Ghana is one of the largest cocoa producing countries in the world, the government decided in 2007 to start this tradition as a way of increasing tourism in the country. There are performances and musical events all themed around the special day.
Scotland
In Scotland, Valentine's Day is celebrated with a popular party game. An equal number of men and women write their names on pieces of paper which are then folded in half and placed into a hat. One hat for the women and one hat for the men. One woman draws a name from the men's hat and that chosen fellow is her Valentine for the rest of the evening, exchanging gifts to each other. This was news to us so we are interested to know if any of you have participated in this tradition?
It is also said that the first young man or woman encountered on the street on Valentine's Day morning will become his or hers Valentine and the day should be celebrated with them. Should you lock eyes with your Valentine on the streets of Edinburgh, why not treat them to a romantic meal for two with help of our blog on our top five restaurants to dine at for Valentines?
Lovely things to do for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if the past few years have inspired you to celebrate the day with a more relaxed approach, then this blog is for you. We’ve put together our top 10 ideas for celebrating a quiet Valentine’s Day that will help let the one you love know just how much they mean to you.
Romantic Breakfast
Start the Day right with a Valentine’s breakfast. You and the one you love could get creative in the kitchen making your favourite home cooked breakfast, as a lovely way to spend quality time together. Or why not head out on the town for a bite of brunch, Dishoom are known in Edinburgh for making a fantastic breakfast, we've heard their Bacon Naan Roll is delicious. The perfect start to the day!
Give a Breath of Fresh Air
Take advantage of the great outdoors and plan a romantic walk! Does that special person in your life have a favourite local spot that means a lot to them? Plan an extra special route and take a cheeky glass of fizz and some chocolates to be devoured along the way. If you are lucky enough to live in the capital of Scotland and feeling a little lacking in inspiration then check out the ‘This Is Edinburgh’ guide to getting into nature in the city.
Share a Night Under the Stars
Weather permitting, why not enjoy an evening under the stars this Valentine’s Day? If you have space in your garden then wrap up, get out some blankets and snuggle under the winter sky. If you have a fire pit or BBQ then light it and toast some treats, such as marshmallows. For an extra romantic feel then add some candles and fairy lights. Our wool tartan blankets are the prefect size for keeping you cosy and comfortable outdoors.
Bring the Bouquet
It’s a fairly obvious one but why not send a beautiful bunch of flowers? Even better, get online and look for florists in your area offering delivery. Not only will you be letting your partner know just how perfect they are, you will also be doing a good deed by supporting local businesses! Rogue Flowers on William Street are just a few minutes’ walk from our Edinburgh shop and are currently offering an online service. With such a beautiful selection you’ll definitely find something special for that special someone. We even did a special episode of ScotlandShop on the Sofa all about Scottish Flowers! From romantic gifts to national anthems and clan plant badges, you can watch the episode here.
Coorie In
Snuggle up on the sofa to browse holidays, days out and experiences. Why not plan an exciting wish list of things to do together in the future? If Isle of Skye is on your bucket list then you could always order a blanket in the island's own tartan to add to the romance. Check out our Valentines Day Blanket Guide!
Cosy up in Tartan
Plain Lambswool Throw
Fleece Backed Plaid Throw
Available in 728 tartans
Custom made in 5 weeks
Highland Stag Throw
Thistle and Bee Throw
Mini Chevron Lambswool Throw
Reversible Lambswool Check Throw
Henderson Clan Crest Throw
Faux Fur Backed Plaid Throw
Available in 583 tartans
Custom made in 7 weeks
Quilted Plaid Throw (Reversible on request)
Available in 599 tartans
Custom made in 7 weeks
Checked Lambswool Blanket
Cinema Night on the Sofa
Recreate a night at the cinema with a Netflix Party. Both you and your true love can pick your favourite films to watch together. Order in some of your favourite snacks and drinks and have a fun evening discussing, dissecting, and laughing about your most loved movies. My favourite Scottish film has to be Trainspotting but that's not very romantic so you could go uplifting with Sunshine on Leith, or maybe it just has to be another episode of Outlander? We have plenty of Fraser tartan if you want to dress up like Sam Heughan!
Dish up Dinner
Valentine’s is most definitely a day to enjoy a decadent dinner! So many restaurants have put together menus especially for Valentine's Day that are of the highest standard so you really are spoiled for choice. One restaurant in particular that is proving very popular with the Edinburgh locals is Six by Nico, who change their menu every six weeks so you are always treated to something different! However, Brown's, The Register Club and Tattu are also offering specially curated menus for February 14th. So why not get dressed up in your favourite tartan with your nearest and dearest to make the evening extra special?
Gin Tasting
If you enjoy the odd tipple, then you could consider organising a tasting. Whether it’s cocktails, whisky or wine, there are some great bars to choose from, we love local bar, Bar Tonic's Cocktail Masterclasses, what better way to spend Valentine's than learning something new with your partner. Some companies even offer live tastings with your very own host, such as Edinburgh Gin.
Get Crafty
This is a year for getting crafty and our favourite local stationers Paper Tiger and Paper Parade are here to help you adding a personal touch. My favourite gift wrap tricks are wrapping brown paper over red sparkly paper and cutting out random hearts and a word search wrapping paper with romantic phrases. For a clan love effect we think those cut outs should be tartan!
Gin Subscription Box
And last but not least how about a subscription to show you really know your partner well? A great way to get through lockdown with a surprise delivered every month, whether it's a magazine or something tasty to eat or drink there is nothing quite like a little treat dropping through the letterbox. Dunnet Bay Distillers send you a refill pouch of delicious Rock Rose Gin every month along with accompanying mixers and a few tasty snacks to enjoy. I know what I am hoping my husband buys me instead of roses!
We wish you a very special Valentine's Day wherever you are in the world and however you decide to spend it! If you need some Scottish gift inspiration then we are always here to help.
