Do you know any traditions connected with St. Valentine’s Day? This holiday is known for many centuries. In some countries it is one of the most favourite ones, in others it is considered to be pagan and is not celebrated. We, however, do not consider this holiday to be out of place and are simply glad to have one more opportunity to say “I love you”.
If this holiday has long history, it means that it was celebrated in different times and in different places differently.
If this holiday has long history, it means that it was celebrated in different times and in different places differently.
May be you know, that in Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"
It is interesting to know that 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. Since that time “to wear your heart on your sleeve” means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
In some countries exists a tradition to present your girl-friend with a piece of clothes. If the girl took the present, it means she is ready to marry you.
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. So be attentive and try to notice everything during this day. Perhaps, your destiny has a present for you :-) .
Traditionally, if a young female is curious enough...and brave enough...she can conjure-up the appearance of her future spouse by visiting a graveyard at midnight on the Eve of Saint Valentine's Day and singing a prescribed chant while running around the church twelve times.
In Britain and Italy, some unmarried women would rise before sunrise on Valentine's Day and stand by the window watching for a man to pass. It was believed that the first man seen...or someone who looked very much like him...would be their husband within a year.
In Denmark, it is customary to send pressed white flowers called snowdrops to friends.
For a lady to sleep with a sprig of rosemary pinned inside the pillow on the Eve of Valentine's Day was once thought to encourage dreams of a future sweetheart's face.
These and many others customs and traditions bring us closer to this nice holiday of everybody, who is in love or is eager to fall in love and find his/her better half. In doesn’t mean much, whether you believe in these superstitions or not, whether you will try to find out the name of your sweet-heart (if you still haven’t one) or not. Just try to add to your life more romance, tenderness and care. Another tradition of this holiday says that to be awoken by a kiss on Valentine's Day is considered lucky, thus, do not hesitate and don’t forget to tell your sweet heart about this nice custom. I wish, it were so every day…
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