Valentines Day Beyond Lovers

Valentine's Day Festival has been associated with lovers since long but in present times the scope of the festival has grown beyond lovers to encompass just anyone and everyone we love. These days, people buy cards, flowers and gifts for their friends, spouse, parents, children, teachers or anyone they find dear and express their love and affection for them.

Those who can only link Valentine's Day with romantic couples will be surprised to know that children under the age of 11 are the biggest consumer of Valentine's Day greeting cards. Survey also reveal that maximum number of Valentine's Day cards sold are given to teachers followed by children, mothers, wives and last of all sweethearts.

Valentine's Day Celebrations Beyond Lovers

In some countries including Canada and US several schools organize classroom get together on Valentine's Day where children gift cards to their friends. Skits and concerts are also organized by children to mark the day. Senior children usually organize Valentine's Day dance parties where they freak out with their friends.

In some families children are encouraged to show love and affection to siblings and other family members on Valentine's Day. People say ‘I love you' to family members with flowers and other gifts. Such rituals help to generate positive feelings for each other and create happiness in family.

Singles who feel depressed on Valentine's Day for not having a partner to celebrate the romantic festival in much popularized manner must strive to make the most of the occasion by celebrating the day with friends or family members. They can express gratitude and affection to friends, colleagues and dear ones for their wonderful presence and support. Organizing single's party and inviting other friends who are single can be another great way of celebrating Valentine's Day beyond lovers.

Some people also like to celebrate Valentine's Day in a constructive manner by performing acts of charity. One can visit orphanage, old age home and hospitals and spend time with those who crave for attention and affection.

Valentine Day Massacre

Valentine's Day Massacre is the one of the most publicized incident of gang war slaying in the history. The gruesome incident was a fall out of the rivalry between two notorious criminal gangs of Chicago - the South Side Italian gang led by Al ‘Scarface' Capone and the North Side Irish gang led by George 'Bugs' Moran. Seven of Moran's men lost their life in the well planned out massacre that occurred on St Valentine's Day, February 14, 1929. The shoot out was highly publicized by the media and was much talked about in public but nobody was ever booked for the incident.

The cold-blooded Plan

Al Capone and his dreaded gang member Jack 'Machine Gun' McGurn devised the ghastly plan for the Valentine's Day massacre mainly to eliminate arch rival Moran. The idea was to trick Moran and his gang to visit a warehouse on North Clark Street on the pretext of buying some hijacked bootleg whiskey at cheap price. A team of six men led by Fred ‘Killer' Burke would enter the venue in the disguise of police officers and carry the shoot out. Capone and McGurn were to be away from the scene to establish their alibi.

The Massacre on Valentine's Day Morning

As per plan, around 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, February 14, 1929, Burke's men drove up to the garage of the S-M-C Cartage Company in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago, Illinois in a stolen police car. Of the five shooters, two were in the police uniform and three in ordinary street clothes. Capone's men saw seven of Moran's gang members but not Moran himself. Shooters in police uniform ask Moran's gang members to line up facing the wall. Thinking that their captors to be relatively harmless policemen who have come to raid the place, the gangsters followed the instructions. Burke's shooters instantly shot and killed the men with Thompson submachine guns. Of the seven men killed in the massacre six belonged to Moran's gang - James Clark, Frank and Pete Gusenberg, Adam Meyer, Johnny May and Al Weinshank. Seventh man was an optician - Dr. Reinhardt Schwimmer who enjoyed the company of gangsters.

In order to leave without raising suspicion in the eyes of the possible witnesses, the men in street clothes marched out of the garage with their hands raised. Those in police uniform walked behind them, giving the appearance that the police caught the bootleggers and all was well.

Though the massacre was carried out just as planned, it missed the prime target Moran who was per chance late for the meeting. When Moran was about to reach, he saw the police car pulling up near the garage. Moran retraced to avoid being caught up in the raid.

Aftermath of the Massacre

Only Frank ‘Tight Lips' Gusenberg was found alive by the real police when it reached the crime spot. He too succumbed after arriving at Alexian Brothers Hospital. Gusenberg refused to name his attackers making the case more challenging for the investigating team who had to work extremely hard tracing the clues to establish the plan of the criminal. Prime suspect of the massacre, Al Capone and McGurn proved their alibi and shooters were never identified. Thus, in the absence of concrete proof nobody was ever punished for the dreadful Valentine's Day Massacre.

Consequences

The massacre was widely reported by the media which dubbed it as the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre". Ironically, rather than tightening noose against him, media glare helped Al Capone. The continuous front-page coverage provided him a celebrity status, establishing him as a supreme and dreadful gangster. On the other hand, the massacre resulted in the end of Moran's leadership in the North Side and his gang vanished into obscurity.

The incident, however, brought Capone's activities in the eyes of Federal Government and it began to keep a strict eye on him. Capone was at last convicted and imprisoned for seven years on income tax evasion charges in 1931. Capone died in Florida from Syphilis in 1947.

A year after the massacre, Fred Burke's house was raided by the police. In Burke's possession was found the tommy guns used in the Massacre. Though Burke was never brought to Illinois to be tried for the massacre, he was, sentenced to life for the killing of a policeman in Michigan.

The infamous massacre became the subject of the 1959 movie Some Like it Hot and Roger Corman's famous 1967 film The St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

Valentines Day for Singles

Romantic Valentine's Day festival is much awaited by those in love but dreaded by singles!! So much is the hype about the festival that some singles even become depressed about not having a partner several days before the festival when they see stores decorated with candies, chocolates and flowers to lure the one's in love. Some times the sense of isolation becomes so strong that many singles tend to “hate Valentine's Day” - the day that is actually meant to celebrate love.

Many single men and women go to the extent of calling Valentine's Day a ‘Singles Awareness Day'. This is because they feel that the day strongly reminds them of their unattached status and not having someone to spend the day in romantic and much popularized manner. Initials of the day ‘S-A-D' reflect their status of feeling depressed and unloved.

But dateless people must keep in mind that Valentine's Day is not just to be celebrated by romantically involved couples. The festival is celebrated to express love to anyone we are closed to. We can therefore celebrate Valentine's Day with friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, teachers or anyone who made a difference to our lives with their affection and support. We must take opportunity of the Valentine's Day festival to express our love and gratitude to all persons we love. And what better way to do so than by saying it with a gift of roses, chocolates and beautiful cards.

Singles can make the most of Valentine's Day by spending the day in the company of those they love or by indulging themselves with something luxurious. Here are some tips and ideas on how singles can celebrate the Valentine's Day in charming and memorable fashion:

Valentine's Day Ideas for Singles

Pamper yourself

Buy yourself cute Valentine's Day gifts which could be flowers, a cute teddy or a dress you have been planning to buy since long. Singles may also indulge themselves by going in for spa or head to toe beauty treatment. Indulging in books, CDs, and gourmet meals can be a good way of enjoying the day for some.

Freak out with friends

Plan out a dinner or movie with best friends. You may also throw a “singles party” or “Un-Valentine's Day Party” at your home and have a blast. You will know that life is fun in the company of loving friends.

Acts of Service

Singles can spend Valentine's Day in the meaningful way by spending time with the needy and downtrodden. You may visit an orphanage or old age home and spend time with the inmates there who are always in need of love and affection. Visiting hospitals and giving roses to sick can also be a touching way of experiencing bliss on Valentine's Day.

Express Gratitude for friends and dear ones

Instead of feeling depressed and ashamed for not having a significant other to spend the day, singles can spend Valentine's Day in a constructive manner by expressing love and affection for people around them. One can thank and greet Valentine's Day to one's parents, friends, colleagues, neighbors or anyone dear.

Think Positive

Singles can make the most of Valentine's Day by thinking positive and fighting away Valentine's Day blues. One should not spend the day sulking for not having a spouse or beloved to spend the day in a happy manner.

Focus on Relationship Plan

Singles can focus on their relationship plan on Valentine's Day and prepare themselves for healthy and lasting relationships. One can take help of dating and matrimonial sites to find a partner. Also make a list of what you can do to improve your personality. It could be developing a more healthy and positive approach towards life or working towards one's diet, health and physical appearance. Take steps you think are vital to improve your chances for relationship. Make some resolutions for yourself and stick to them.

Valentines Day for Lovers

Valentine's Day festival holds immense importance for those in love. Lovers around the world anxiously wait for the festival as it gives them an opportunity to express love for their beloved and spend a day in togetherness. Celebrating the festival in a traditional manner lovers go out for date in a park or spend time looking into the eyes of their partners over a candlelight dinner. Indulging sweethearts with fresh flowers mainly red roses, chocolates, cards and other gifts of love is the other most popular custom of Valentine's Day for lovers.

Historic Association of Valentine's Day with Romantic Love

Ever since its inception Valentine's Day has been associated with romantic love. Valentine's Day originated in pagan times when people celebrated February 14 in honor of Roman God of Fertility. This fertility festival coincided with beginning of the spring and was popularly known as the Feast of Lupercalia.A popular custom of this festival was pairing of young boys and girls for a year through a lottery system. The couples would eventually fall in love and marry.

Another story that linked Valentine's Day festival to the day of romance goes back to the reign of Emperor Claudius II of Rome. A hardhearted king, Claudius constantly engaged Rome in bloody battles. Claudius found it tough to get soldiers for his army and felt that the reason why many men are not willing to become soldiers was their attachment with wives and families. In order to get rid of the cause of the problem perceived Claudius banned marriages and engagements in Rome. Young men and women found a savior in Saint Valentine, who defied Claudius's decree and arranged secret marriages. Valentine's act of defiance was noticed and he was put to death by Claudius on February 14 circa 270 AD. Later, when Christianity spread through Rome, Christian Church decided to turn the popular pagan event as a Christian celebration in honor of St Valentine. St Valentine's Day festival gradually came to be celebrated as a day to express love for sweethearts.

Besides, during the Middle ages, people in England and France believed that February 14 marked the beginning of birds mating season. This belief further boosted the idea that February 14 should be celebrated as a day for romance.

Valentines Day Celebration by Lovers

Elaborate plans are made by lovers to celebrate Valentine's Day festival in the much-popularized romantic fashion. For some lovers the day begins by whispering ‘I love you' in the ears of beloved. The romantic gesture is usually accompanied with an exchange of red roses, chocolates, cards and other gifts. Most lovers plan to spend the entire day in the company of their beloved and celebrate being in love. All around the city, be it parks, mall, restaurants or discotheques one can find couples celebrating the idea of being in love. Such lovey-dovey celebrations often continue till late in the night as several clubs and hotels organize Valentine's Day balls and dance parties. Those away from their Valentine keep in touch through e-mails and phone. Sending online Valentine's Day gifts is fast becoming a fad amongst lovers separated by a distance.

Though one may say that love is to be celebrated everyday and not just one, lovers cherish the fact that there is exclusively a festival that celebrates love and lovers and provides opportunity to pamper their beloved with love.

Valentines Day in Present Times

Valentines Day in present times has become a huge craze especially amongst the youth in countries around the world. Those in love start planning for the Valentine's Day celebrations with sweetheart days before the festival while those without a lover start looking for a date so that they are able to celebrate the day in the much-romanticized manner. Hype for the festival is further built up by the media and the rigorous advertising campaign run by the cards and gifts marketers.

Euphoria in the Markets

Euphoria for Valentine's Day can be felt days before the festival when the market places start exuding the spirit of the romantic festival. Shops selling cards, flowers and other romantic gifts can be seen decked with Valentine's Day symbols of hearts, cards, rose and cupid. In modern times, jewelers too, try to lure lovers with attractive schemes and bold displays of innovate and eye-catching jewelry. Florists, who get their best business in this time of the year, lure customers with big and beautiful bouquets of exotic flowers.

Frantic shopping by the Lovers

Big hype and euphoria for the Valentine's Day festival has made the occasion a multi-million dollar industry. The festival has turned out to be the biggest card-selling holiday after Christmas in US as youngsters prefer to buy not just one but several cards for their sweetheart and also for their parents, teachers, siblings, friends and other loved ones. Of course the festival is not just restricted to cards in the present consumerist society. People also buy loads of chocolates that come in Valentine's Day special romantic packing besides big bouquets of flowers, in spite of the fact that prices of flowers sky rocket on Valentine's Day because of the huge demand. Other popular Valentine's Day gifts include shirts, wallets and perfumes for men and jewelry, jewelry boxes, stuffed toys and romantic show pieces for women. Though most Valentine's Day cards and gifts are delivered by hand those separated by a distance from their beloved on Valentine's Day chose to express their love by sending gifts through various Valentine's Day gift shopping sites. Online shopping on Valentine's Day has therefore turned out to be a big business in modern age of technology.

Romantic and Platonic Celebration of Valentine's Day

In present times, Valentine's Day is not restricted to romantic couples. The festival has come to be known as the day to celebrate love that can be in any form. People therefore take opportunity of the occasion to wish ‘Happy Valentine's Day' to their friends, parents, siblings, teachers or anyone they consider special. Children too celebrate Valentine's Day by organizing concerts and classroom get-togethers.

Valentine's Day Parties and Celebrations

The most popular way of celebrating Valentine's Day is to go for a romantic date with sweetheart. One can find parks and restaurants thronged by lovers holding hands and expressing love. Valentine's Day special parties are also organized by hotels and discotheques to give the lovers an opportunity to celebrate. These days, romantic getaways are turning out to be extremely popular way of celebrating Valentine's Day.

Criticism of Valentine's Day in Present Times

While most people go out of their way to celebrate the day of love and romance, there are many that are very much against the festival. Some feel there is no reason to celebrate love on one particular day as love is to be cherished on all days of the year. People are also very much against the excessive commercialization of the festival. In several countries such as India, womenfolk experience the trauma of eve teasing on the day. Several societies are very much against the festival as they feel it is the ploy by multinationals to impose western cultures on conservative eastern world.

In spite of the mounting criticism, the popularity of Valentine's Day festival is increasing by the year as people to not wish to miss the opportunity to express and celebrate love.

Valentines Day Gift for Girlfriend

Valentine's Day Festival bring with it the opportunity to express heartfelt feelings to your sweetheart. The occasion is even more special for those who have not yet declared their love. The best way to tell your girlfriend about your feelings is to say it with a bunch of roses and a thoughtful Valentine's Day card. To overwhelm your beloved with love you may also indulge her with cute Valentine's Day Gifts. Here are some Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for girlfriends to trigger your imagination and creativity:

Stuffed Toys

Girls love to receive cute and huggable stuffed toys from their beau. Gift her a stuffed animal or any of her favorite cartoon character and she will always cherish it as a gift from you.

Chocolates and Cakes

You may indulge your girlfriend with delectable and yummy chocolates and cakes on Valentine's Day. You may enjoy this gift together and have a good time.

Showpieces

Cute and romantic showpieces like an image of Cupid, lovebirds, dancing couple etc make a memorable Valentine's Day Gift. Coffee mugs or posters with beautiful words or pictures can also be gifted to girlfriends.

Jewelry and Clothes

Jewelry like bracelets, necklace sets, rings are an all time favorite gift of ladies. If you are sure about preferences and size of your girlfriend you may also gift her trendy and fashionable clothes.

Handmade Gift

If you are a creative person you may prepare a handmade Valentines Day gift for your girlfriend. For instance, if you are good at painting you may prepare a portrait of her or if you are good in music you can compose a special song for her. The gift you prepare may not be perfect but it will surely be the most touching and precious gift for her.

Valentines Day Gift for Fiancee

Valentine's Day is a perfect occasion to charm your fiancée with the magic of your love and affection. The best way to do so would be to delight her with gestures of love and thoughtful gifts. In case you are not able to think of a brilliant gift to please your 'wife to be' here are some Valentine's Day Gift ideas for Fiancee just for you!!

Wristwatch and Jewelry

Delight the lady with a beautiful and ornamental wristwatch so that you could be with her at all times. You may also gift bracelets and earrings to express love on Valentine's Day.

Books and CDs

For fiancees who love to read the best Valentines Day gift option would be a romantic novel or poetry collection. You may also gift her subscription of her favorite magazine. Similarly, for fiancees fond of music you may gift music CDs of romantic and soul touching songs.

Perfumes and Makeup Kits

Bewitching perfumes and all-inclusive make up kits is another thoughtful Valentine's Gift for sweethearts. This would reflect your care for her and she would go out of way to present her best to you.

Jewelry Boxes and Photo Frames

Jewellery Boxes come in a range of designs and are in vogue as Valentine's Day gift for special ladies. Another interesting gift idea is designer photo frames personalized with a sweet picture of her or a romantic pic of you two together.

Valentines Day Gift for Wives

Take opportunity of Valentine's Day festival and let your wife know how much you love her! Just say, ‘I love you' in her ear to watch her glow in your love or do simple things that delight her to make her feel special and loved. Another way to celebrate the occasion is to indulge her with sweet and special Valentine's Day gifts of love. Most hubbies find it difficult to select a perfect Valentine's Day gift for wife but with little thought and lots of love this could become an enjoyable and memorable opportunity. Given here are some Valentines Day Gift ideas for wives to invigorate your thought process.

For Wives who love Jewelry

Well, all wives love them no doubt!! Though diamonds and gold are always the first choice of women you may also choose to gift less-expensive artificial jewelry, as they are a rage amongst women these days. You may select from a wide range of semi-precious and beaded jewelry from jewelry shops or online shopping sites and delight your special lady.

For Working Wives

In case your wife is a busy executive you may gift her a smart handbag, organizers or a latest mobile phone. You may also treat her with a booking in spa or a head to toe treatment in a beauty parlor. She would love being pampered by hubby on Valentine's Day.

Clothes and Accessories

You may pamper your wife by gifting her a dress that compliments her personality. You may buy suits, saree, trousers or evening wear depending on her taste. Accessories like scarves and sarongs besides designer intimate wear is another interesting Valentine's Day Gift idea for wives.

Romantic Candle Light Dinner

If your wife loves the idea of picture perfect romance treat her with a romantic candle light dinner at her favorite restaurant. Visit the restaurant in advance and request manager to make special decorations for your table with roses. You may also make live music request to enchant your darling wife on Valentine's Day.

Valentines Day Gift for Boyfriend

When in love girls keenly wait for St Valentine's Day Festival. For them Valentine's Day brings opportunity to express heartfelt feelings for their boyfriends and to pamper them with gifts of love. Most girls spend hours in brainstorming sessions and in discussions with friends but still find it extremely tough to decide on that special Valentine's Day Gift for boyfriend. In case you too are finding yourself in such a dilemma here is attempt to provide you some awesome and unique Valentine's Day Gift ideas for boyfriends:

Pampering with Love

A wonderful Valentine's Day gift idea would be to pamper your beloved with something that demonstrates your love for him. For instance you may learn to prepare his favorite dishes or gift a muffler knitted by you or how about writing a romantic poem or song for him. These are inexpensive yet most invaluable Valentine's Day gift you can ever gift to your boyfriend.

Ticket for a Music Concert

If your beau is music buff you may get tickets for a concert of his favorite musician. Alternatively you may get tickets for sports event in case he is interested in sports and a magazine subscription if he loves reading. This will reflect your thoughtfulness towards your guy and he will surely love you for that.

Miscellaneous Gift Ideas

Most guys love to possess a handsome collection of CDs, DVDs, cologne, body sprays, goggles, bracelets and wristwatches. You may give anything of sorts depending on your boyfriend's preferences. Another idea would be gift desk accessories like pens, penholders, business organizers and timepieces. This way you would be close to your love even when he is away on work! Complement gifts with chocolate and bouquet of fresh flowers to add a romantic touch.

Valentines Day Gift for Husbands

Valentine's Day festival gives wedded couple a reason and occasion to reaffirm their love and faith in each other and have a romantic time together. On every 14th February, loving wives wish to express love with beautiful gifts that reflect their heartfelt emotions. But most find it difficult to select that one perfect yet innovative gift every year. To solve this great emotional dilemma here are some tips and ideas for selecting Valentine's Day Gifts for Husbands:

Gestures of Love

First of all it must be remembered that love can be expressed in myriad forms other than gifts. A simple phone call at work just to say, ‘I love you and you mean so much to me' can touch his heart in a very special way. Or how about a walk in the park holding hands. You may also prepare your hubby's favorite food for the day, or teach yourself to do a thing he always wished you could, like learning a new recipe, learning to knit. Give a little thought and you will have loads of romantic ideas.

Gifts of Interest

Most men like to receive Valentine's Day gifts that they can associate themselves with. For instance you may buy books for those who love to read, music CDs for the musically inclined and clothes for the husbands who love to dress well. In case your husband loves electronic gadgets, you may choose from electric shavers, massagers, I-pods, mobiles etc.

A Romantic Getaway

Resourceful wives may plan a romantic day together on Valentine's Day. You may choose a destination that both of you like. If this seems a little difficult you may book tickets for movie or theatre or get reservation in a restaurant you both like. How about a spa treatment for both of you followed by a special evening together.

Valentines Day Gift for Friend

Valentine's Day is a day to express love to anyone you find special and dear. The person does not necessarily have to be your spouse or sweetheart; he or she can be your mother, father, teacher, sibling, friend, aunt or anyone who has in anyway touched your heart. To wish your friend a Happy Valentine's Day you may gift him/her a special gift. Your gift can be as simple as a card or a rose bud but it should be given with love. To further inspire you here are some Valentines Gift ideas for Friends:

Homemade Gifts

If you are good at cooking, you may bake a yummy cake for your friend or any other dish that is your specialty. You may also make a beautiful Valentine's Day card, knit a sweater or make a painting for your friend depending on you area of interest.

A Lunch or Dinner Treat

You may treat your Valentine with lunch or dinner at his/her favorite restaurant. This could be followed by a long drive and an extended chat session where you can relive the happy moments shared in the past.

Chocolate Hampers

A delicious Valentines Day gift idea for friend is a box of his/her favorite chocolates. This could be clubbed with other goodies to make a wholesome Valentine's Day Gift Hamper. You may also gift sweets or dry fruits if your friend like those.

Show Pieces

Decorative showpieces make an admirable and memorable Valentine's Day Gift for friends and loved ones. You may gift a vase, painting, photo frames or handcrafted ethic table decorative to show appreciation for your Valentine.

Fashion Accessories

Fashion Accessories like bags, scarves and fashion jewelry is another interesting Valentine's Day Gift idea for friends.

Valentines Day Gift for Her

Selecting that perfect and out of the world Valentines Day Gifts for women can be quite a challenging task. This is because most women are extremely sensitive in nature and will put in hours thinking what they might receive as a Valentine's Day Gift from you. Surpassing or even living upto their expectations is a daunting task. However, selection of Valentines Day gift for her can become easy if you keep little details in mind. For instance, if you are buying clothes or accessories for her and you take her favorite color into consideration you have won the battle.

Another great tip for selecting Valentine's Day Gift for women would be to keep your eyes and ears open days before the festival. Most women will casually or unintentionally give you a clue. They might tell you how they lost their heart on that beautiful necklace or how much they wish they had an electronic massager to relax them. Watch for the clues and you will be appreciated for your thoughtfulness.

In case you are still not able to decide there are some general Valentine's Day Gifts like jewelry and jewelry box, hand bags, fresh flowers, teddy bears, chocolates and cards. These are considered to be appropriate Valentine's Day gifts for mothers, teachers, friends, beloved or any other special woman in your life. You may buy anything depending on the choice of the lady and your budget but buy with love. Always remember that it is your feeling behind the gift that makes it special.

» Valentines Day Gift for Wives

» Valentines Day Gift for Fiancée

» Valentines Day Gift for Girlfriend

Valentines Day Gift for Him

Selecting a perfect Valentine's Gift for him is quite a difficult task especially if the man is quite close to you and you wish to touch his heart on the special occasion. However, the task of selecting gift can become bit easy with little planning, some thinking and lots of love.

The ideal way to go about Valentine's Day gift selection is to begin early. Some women actually start thinking and working on the gift months before the festival if they wish to gift a personalized or handmade Valentine's Day Gift to the man in their life. In case you are creative and have the skill you can knit a sweater or muffler, paint a portrait, prepare a memorable photo-album with pictures of you two or trace his life from birth through pictures. This will work wonders and will be his most treasured gift ever.

In case you plan to buy a bewitching Valentine's Day Gift for him keep in mind his choice and interests. Think hard if he ever told you about a long lost hobby or something he has been planning to buy since long, you might get a vital clue. If this does not gets you an answer you may go in for general Valentines Day Gifts for men like wallets, wrist watches, shirts, perfumes, chocolate hampers, sweets etc. These gifts can be given to fathers, uncles, brothers, sweethearts or any other man you consider special. And, please do not forget to complement the gift with a bouquet of his favorite fresh flowers. Most men have the secret desired to be gifted flowers on Valentine's Day.

» Valentines Day Gift for Husbands

» Valentines Day Gift for Fiancé

» Valentines Day Gift for Boyfriend

Valentines Day Gift for Fiancé

On the special occasion of Valentine's Day ladies wish to give the most romantic and memorable gift to their fiancé. Gifts that not just please their beau but also express love and trust in the man with whom they are going to spend their entire life. Though finding such a perfect and romantic gift can be quite a challenge but with little thought and loads of love the problem can be sorted with ease. Here are some special Valentine's Day Gift ideas for fiancé that might be helpful to you. It is suggested that you take inspiration from these ideas but use your own instincts to select the gift, as no one knows your fiancé better than you do.

Fresh Flowers

Surveys reveal that most men love to receive flowers from their sweethearts on the occasion of Valentine's Day. So make your guy's desire come true this Valentine's Day.

Shirt Hampers

Shirts are an all time favorite gift of men. You may please your fiancé by giving him a stylish shirt in his favorite color and style. You may go in for T-shirts if he likes those. For greater impact club the gift with chocolates, sweets or a nice perfume.

Wrist Watches

Wrist watches is another interesting Valentine's Day gift idea for the husband to be. These days men love to possess a collection of watches for different occasions and your fiancé will surely love one from his beloved.

Port Folio Bags

Sophisticated and suave, Portfolio Bags are a rage amongst men. Portfolio Bags not just help men to organize documents better but also give them a dynamic and handsome look. You may surely consider gifting a stylish Laptop bag to your fiancé in case your hubby needs one.

Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Lovers across the world wish to present their sweetheart an ultimate Valentine's Day Gift and make a display of their love. However, even the most ardent lovers are at their wits end when they need to decide on that perfect Valentine's Day Gift idea!! Well, here are loads of tips and Valentine Gift ideas to ease your dilemma and help you pamper your beloved in the most romantic way.

Gift shoppers please note that in modern times Valentine's Day is not restricted to romantic couples, one can therefore send Valentine Gifts and greetings to parents, teacher, friends, siblings or anyone else dear to you. Please read on and benefit from our dedicated Valentines Gift ideas for Him, Her and Friends.

Tips for selecting Valentine's Day Gifts

Get inspired from ideas but use your own judgement when it comes to the selection of the gift for, no one knows your beloved better than you.

In case you are not sure about your Valentine's choice trust your love instincts, you'll not go wrong.

Restrict to your budget but buy a thoughtful and romantic gift with love. Your beloved will be pleased with the feelings behind the gift rather than the gift itself.

Always remember to say ‘ I love you' as often as you can. This costs nothing but your love will be the most treasured gift for your beloved.

» Valentines Day Gift for Him

» Valentines Day Gift for Her

» Valentines Day Gift for Friend

Valentines Day in Middle Ages

Valentines Day festival gained much popularity during the Middle Ages. Lovers began to celebrate the day by exchanging love notes and simple gifts such as flowers. The idea of linking Valentine's Day with love in Middle Ages was strengthened by the notion that birds began to look for mate during this time. Various legends related to the festival including that of Feast of Lupercalia and martyrdom of Saint Valentine further lead to the increase in the popularity of Valentine's Day festival.

Beginning of Birds Mating Season

During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that birds mating season began from February 14. This popular notion added to the idea that the middle of the February celebration of Valentine's Day be celebrated as a day of love and romance. Fourteenth and fifteenth centuries English and French poets and litterateurs through their romantic verses further promoted the concept of linking Valentine's day with romantic love. For instance, a verse by Dame Elizabeth Brews says,

And, cousin mine, upon Monday is Saint Valentine's Day and every bird chooses himself a mate, and if it like you to come on Thursday night, and make provision that you may abide till then, I trust to God that ye shall speak to my husband and I shall pray that we may bring the matter to a conclusion.

Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, “Parlement of Foules'' writes

''For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne's day'

Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate”

These popular verses further helped to create a romantic image of Valentine's Day festival during the Middle Ages. Lovers, therefore, began to celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing love to their sweethearts with an exchange of love notes and simple gifts such as flowers.

The First Valentine's Day Card

The first known Valentine is said to have been written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.

Historians also say that Saint Valentine of Rome also sent a letter signed “From your Valentine”, to his sweetheart who was the jailers daughter a day before he was to be executed. This phrase is still popular amongst lovers.

Legends influencing Valentines Day Celebration in Middle Ages

One very popular legend of Valentine's Day states that the festival originated from the Feast of Lupercalia - a fertility festival celebrated in mid February by ancient Roman during pagan times. The festival paired young boys and girls through a lottery system who would fall in love and marry.

Another legend states that a priest called St Valentine lived in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Valentine defied the orders of Claudius order that banned engagements and marriages in Rome and secretly married young boys and girls. Saint Valentine was executed by Claudius on February 14, 498 AD. Over the period of time St Valentine became the patron saint of lovers and they began to celebrate his martyrdom by expressing love for their beloved and exchanging love notes.

About St Valentine

Historical archives talk of at least three different individuals known by the name of Saint Valentine and associated with Valentine's Day celebration of February 14. Some scholars even talk of the presence of as many as seven Saint Valentine all of whom lived in the Third Century and apparently died on February 14. Discussed here are the legends of three saints who were all martyred for their faith and have been recognized by the Catholic Church. Some scholars say that these saints were not separate individuals and are likely to be one and the same. Since these saints lived during the reign of the same Roman emperor and are believed to have died on the same day, this assumption seems to have some validity.

About Saint Valentine of Rome - Legend I

One of the most popular Saint Valentine associated with Valentine's Day festival is said to have lived in Rome when the country was under the reign of Emperor Claudius II. It is said that Emperor Claudius was hard-hearted king who continuously engaged Rome in bloody battles. But in order to keep fighting, he needed to keep recruiting soldiers. However, to his disappointment Claudius found that men were not willing to join army because of their attachment with their wives and families. In order to get rid of the issue, Claudius passed a callous decree that banned engagements and marriages in Rome. He also said that any priest who married a young couple would be put to death.

Young men and women found a savior in Valentine or Valentinus a romantic at heart priest. Even at the cost of his life, Valentine stood against the unjustified order and secretly arranged marriages with the help of Saint Marius. When Claudius finally found out about Valentine's defiance, he was brutally beaten up and put to prison. Later, Valentine was put to death on February 14, about 270 AD. For his martyrdom and service towards lovers Valentine was named a saint after his death.

By Middle Ages, Saint Valentine had become the patron saint of love and lovers in England and France. So, when Pope Gelasius decided to put an end to pagan celebrations of Feast of Lupercalia, he declared in 498 AD that 14th February be celebrated as Saint Valentine's Day. Since then lovers began to express their love on the martyrdom day of Saint Valentine.

About Saint Valentine of Rome - Legend II

According to another popular legend related to Valentine's Day, a saint called Valentine was an early Christian in Rome who loved children a lot. However, at that time Rome was not in favor of Christianity and it even persecuted Christians to ensure that Rome remains free of followers of Christianity faith. In spite of this law, St Valentine continued to practice Christianity and refused to worship Roman Gods. When Emperor Claudius came to know of this defiance, he put Valentine into a rigorous imprisonment for a year. It is said that when Valentine was in jail, little children began to feel sad as they missed Valentine so much. They even used to toss loving notes and flowers from the bars in the prison window.

Some scholars say that during his stay in prison Valentine fell in love with jailer Asterius's blind daughter (whose name may have been Julia), who used to bring for him flowers and notes from children. It is said that day's before his execution, Valentine prayed for his sweetheart and she regained her eyesight. Valentine also wrote a farewell note to jailer's daughter a signed it “From Your Valentine”. This phrase became quite popular amongst the lovers and is still very much in vogue. Some scholars say we remember his death on Valentine's death by sending kind messages to our friends.

Some historians believe that Valentine was executed because he tried to help some Christian prisoners escape from the prison as they were being treated badly. Some also believe that because of his good behavior Valentine was even given a chance by Claudius to change his faith. But Valentine not just refused, he tried to convert Claudius to Christianity. This enraged Claudius and he finally passed orders for his execution. Saint Valentine was beheaded on February 14 269 AD or 270 AD.

About Saint Valentine - Bishop of Interamna - Legend III

Some scholars talk about the presence of yet another Saint Valentine related to Valentine's Day celebration of February 14. This Valentine was a Bishop residing in Interamna (today known as Terni) in Italy in the Third Century. He is said to have dedicated his life to the Christian community of Terni, becoming the first Bishop of the town. People adored Bishop Valentine and the fame of his holiness and miracles reached Rome. Valentine's was also linked with love because he is believed to be the first religious personage to oversee the celebration of marriage between a pagan man and a Christian woman. This Saint Valentine is believed to have been scourged, imprisoned and beheaded by Placidus, Prefect of Interanma. The relic bones of this Saint Valentine are housed in a basilica in Terni. To commemorate the saint, every year on February 14, the town of Terni hosts exhibitions, fairs and cultural events.

History of St Valentines Day

Valentine's Day - the popular festival of love and romances traces its origin to ancient Roman festival and has not been created by card companies as some people believe it to be. There are various legends associated with the festival along with the belief that birds began to mate from this day. Popularity of the Valentine's Day festival stems from the combined effects of all these legends, beliefs and of course the wish to glorify the unparalleled feeling of love.

Feast of Lupercalia

Historians trace the origin of Valentine's Day to ancient Roman Empire. It is said that in the Rome of ancient times people observed a holiday on February 14th to honor Juno - the Queen of Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also regarded Juno as the Goddess of Women and Marriage. On the following day, February 15th began the fertility festival called 'Feast of Lupercalia'. The festival of Lupercalia was celebrated to honor the Gods Lupercus and Faunus - the Roman God of Agriculture besides the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

An interesting custom was followed in the Feast of Lupercalia to bring together young boys and girls who otherwise were strictly separated. On the eve of the festival names of young Roman girls were written on a slip of paper and placed into jars. Each young man drew out a girl's name from the jar and was paired with the girl for the duration of Lupercalia. Sometime pairing lasted for a year until next year's celebration. Quite often, the couple would fall in love with each other and later marry. The custom lasted for a long time until people felt that the custom was un-Christian and that mates should be chosen by sight, not luck.

Defiance by Saint Valentine

The pairing of young boys and girls did set the mood of the Valentine's Day Festival as we know today. But it was actually due to the efforts and daring of a priest St Valentine that the festival got its name and clearer meaning. The story goes that during the reign of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in several bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius found it tough to get soldiers and felt the reason was men did not join army because they did not wish to leave their wives and families. As a result Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. A romantic at heart priest of Rome Saint Valentine defied Claudius's unjustified order. Along with Saint Marius, St Valentine secretly married couples. When his defiance was discovered, Valentine was brutally beaten and put to death on February 14, about 270 AD. After his death Valentine was named a Saint.

According to another version of legend Valentine was killed because he attempted to help Christians escape from the Roman prison as they were being tortured and beaten there. Yet another popular version of the legend states that while in prison Valentine or Valentinus fell in love with jailer's daughter who visited him during confinement. Before his death Valentine wrote a farewell letter to his sweetheart from the jail and signed ‘From your Valentine'. The expression became quite popular amongst love struck and is still very much in vogue.

By the Middle Ages, Valentine assumed the image of heroic and romantic figure amongst the masses in England and France. Later, when Christianity spread through Rome, the priests moved Lupercalia from February 15 to February 14. Around 498 AD, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day to honor the martyr Valentinus and to end the pagan celebration.

Beginning of Birds Mating Season

During the Middle Ages, people in England and France held a belief that birds started to look for their mate from February 14. This popular notion further helped to link Valentine's Day - celebrated in the middle of the February, with love and romance. Over the period of time, St Valentine became the patron saint of lovers and they began to celebrate Valentine's Day as a day of romance by exchanging love notes and simple gifts such as flower.

Popularity of St Valentines Day

Valentine's Day festival gradually grew in popularity amongst the masses due to the combined effect of all the above said reasons. To mark the day lovers began to exchange love notes called ‘Valentines' with their sweethearts. In the beginning the trend was to send handmade cards but this was changed in the beginning of 19th century and mass-produced greeting cards caught the fancy of the people. In the course of time, Valentine's day came to be regarded as the festival that celebrates love and not just romantic love. Today, Valentine's Day cards are gifted to teachers, parents, friends, siblings and sweethearts. Popularity of Valentine's Day has spread in countries across the seven continents and is still increasing by the year.

Valentines Day in France

Valentine's Day Festival is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm in France. People take opportunity of the occasion and express love to people close through them. Just as in several other countries people in France exchange Valentine's Day greetings through cards, fresh flowers and gifts of love.

History of Valentine's Day in France

History of Valentine's Day Festival has a strong association with France. It is said that during the Middle Ages, there was a popular belief in France and England that birds began to mate halfway through the second month of the year. For this reason lovers saw the day special and considered it auspicious to exchange love letters and tokens of love on Valentine's Day. During fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, French and English poets and litterateurs too stressed on this idea and created a romantic image of the day in the minds of the people.

Valentine's Day Cards too are said to have originated in France. A young Frenchman, Charles, Duke of Orleans is said to have written the first written Valentine's Day Cards. The Duke who was captured at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 is said to have written a poem or ‘Valentine' to his wife while imprisonment in the Tower of London.

Valentine's Day Custom in France

People in France once followed a peculiar Valentine's Day custom called “drawing for”. Unmarried young and old people would go into houses facing each other and begin calling out across from one window to another and pair off with their chosen partner. If the young man failed to be particularly enthralled with his valentine, he would desert her. A bonfire would be lit later where ladies would burn images of their ungrateful lovers and hurl abuses at them. The ritual was eventually abandoned as it left much room for nastiness and ridicule. French government handed-down a decree and officially banned the custom.

There was also a custom in France to exchange elegant cards containing tender messages called cartes d'amities. These were not essentially Valentine and resulted chiefly due a trend popular in England.

Valentines Day in Japan

Valentine's Day is celebrated in an interesting manner on two different dates in the country of Japan. On February 14, female present gifts to their boyfriends or any man close to them. The favor is returned to ladies on the White Day celebrated on March 14 when men pamper women who gave them gifts a month before on Valentines Day.

Tradition of Gifting Chocolates

There is a strong tradition of women gifting chocolates to men on Valentines Day in Japan. It is seen that two types of chocolates are more popular for Valentine's Day. One type of chocolate called giri-choco is bought for friends, bosses, colleagues and close male friends. ‘Giri' in Japan means obligation hence these types of chocolates has no romantic association. Giri chocolates are mostly bought from the store. Ladies make sure they pass on giri-choco to please all men close to them as it is seen that men who do not receive any chocolate feel embarrassed.

Chocolates for boyfriends, lovers or husbands are special ones and are called hon-mei. Many Japanese girls think that it is not true love if they buy Valentine's day chocolates for their boyfriend and hence honmei -choco is usually prepared by girls themselves. Men feel lucky if they receive honmei (prospective winner)-choco on Valentine's Day.

As chocolate is the most popular gift for the occasion, days before the festival department and grocery stores stock themselves with chocolates in large variety to lure customers. It is estimated that more than half the chocolate sold in a year is sold around Valentines Day in Japan.

Tradition of Celebrating White Day

White Day celebration in Japan is said to have been initiated as a marketing tool by marshmallow chocolate company in the 1960s. On March 14 or White Day men are supposed to give return gifts of chocolates to women who gifted them chocolates on February 14. The color of the chocolate is generally white because of the name of the day. These days, men also gift flowers, candies and other gifts along with the chocolates.

Valentine's Day Celebration in Japan

Valentine's Day and White Day festival is celebrated with charm and enthusiasm in Japan. It is observed that the festivals are more popular amongst young group especially those below 20 years. Most popular Valentine's Day gift is chocolates though ladies also give other gifts like neckties and clothes to men dear to them.

Valentine's Day in Britain

St Valentine's Day is celebrated with gaiety, enthusiasm and charm in Britain. Just as in many other countries, people in Britain express love for their beloved on this day by presenting them flowers, cards, chocolates and other special gifts. Different regions of the country have their specific traditions to celebrate Valentine's Day but one uniform custom is the singing of special songs by children. These children are rewarded with gifts of candy, fruit or money. In some regions delectable Valentine buns are baked with caraway seeds, plums or raisins.

Penning of verses is another extremely popular tradition of Valentine's Day. Weeks before the festival tabloids and magazines publish sonnets and verses to commemorate St Valentine's Day. The custom owes its origin to the poets of Britain who have penned the majority of the best-loved romantic verses associated with Saint Valentine.

Valentine's Day in History

Customs associated with Valentine's Day had their origin in the popular belief held by people in Great Britain and France during 14th and 15th century that birds begin to mate on February 14, halfway through the month of February. Lovers, therefore found St Valentine's Day an appropriate time to send love letters and gifts to beloved. Romantic image of the festival was further established by English and French poets and litterateurs who drew parallel between mating of birds and St Valentine's Day. In the Paston Letters, Dame Elizabeth Brews writes thus about a match she hopes to make for her daughter (spelling modernize), addressing the favored suitor:

And, cousin mine, upon Monday is Saint Valentine's Day and every bird chooses himself a mate, and if it like you to come on Thursday night, and make provision that you may abide till then, I trust to God that ye shall speak to my husband and I shall pray that we may bring the matter to a conclusion.

Early Valentine's Day Tradition in Britain

Unmarried girls in Britain and Italy used to wake up before sunrise on Valentine's Day. They believed that the first man they see on Valentine's Day or someone who looks like him would marry them within a year. Girls, therefore, used to wake up early to stand by their window and wait for the man to pass. William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright, mentions this belief in Hamlet (1603). Ophelia, a woman in the play, sings:

Good morrow! 'Tis St. Valentine's Day

All in the morning betime,

And I a maid at your window,

To be your valentine!

Another popular belief held by people of Great Britain made women pin four bay leaves to the corners of their pillow and eat eggs with salt replacing the removed yokes on Valentine's Day eve. Unmarried girls to dream of their future husband followed the custom. Unmarried ladies also used to write their lover's names on paper and put them on clay balls that they would drop into the water. It was believed that whichever paper came up first, that man would be their future husband!