It’s that time of the year again when spring is almost in sight and love is in the air! If you’d like some inspiration for a Valentine’s gift for that special someone in your life (or just a nice surprise for a friend) we’ve got you covered – see the end of the article to find out what treats we have in store!
The origins of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is believed to have pagan origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia. This festival – although not quite what we’re used to today, with its animal sacrifice and ceremonial whipping! – was very popular for centuries, as a spring rite to matchmake potential husbands and wives and promote fertility.
It was so popular in fact that it endured for 150 years under Roman Christian rule in Europe, until finally the fifth century pope Gelasius I banned it, and the festival was Christianised into the feast of Saint Valentine on February 14th – although today the Catholic Church no longer recognises Valentine’s Day on its calendar.
It’s dubious as to exactly which Saint Valentine the feast is dedicated to (there are quite a few different ones!) but one likely candidate was a Roman priest. When Emperor Claudius II banned soldiers from marrying because he believed unmarried men make better warriors, Valentine conducted marriage ceremonies in secret until he was found out, arrested and martyred in the year 270.
Valentine’s Day as we know it
All of this history is a far cry from the chocolate hearts and red roses we’re familiar with today. The modern association may date back to writers like Chaucer and Shakespeare associating the holiday – that happens to take place when winter is just starting to turn to spring and birds are starting to nest again – with love and romance.
The first love-notes written for the holiday didn’t catch on until Victorian times, and mass-produced Valentines cards as we know them only started to gain popularity in the early 1900s.
Valentine’s Day at Suzie K
We think that any excuse to spoil your loved ones (or yourself!) is a good one. Come and visit us for a browse round our fascinating shop and have a chat to our friendly staff for any special and unique gift ideas.
Afternoon Tea
As a very special treat, we’re offering a Valentine’s Afternoon Tea for Two on Valentine’s Day Tuesday 14th February 2023, with a specially selected, vegan-friendly selection of sweet and savoury treats plus a little goody bag to take away with you.
£35 per couple (bring your sweetheart, or a friend!) £18.50 per person.
Bookings will only be available until Saturday 11th February, so be quick! You can book by calling us on 01244 326 444.
(Please note – photo is an example only, the real deal will be even better!)
Gift ideas
We're always full of ideas for gifts - come by the shop and chat to our staff, or browse our website shop.
You could set the right mood with our candles and wax melts, cosy sleepwear and loungewear or have a treat with our drinks kits.
Jewellery is always a popular Valentine’s gift and we have tons of gorgeous stuff in store and on our website, to suit every taste.
Check out this video reel of our Byzantium jewellery hearts range in store.
Rose quartz, known as the stone of love, is great for self-worth, relationships, marriage, inner peace, gentle healing, unconditional love, calmness, serenity, relaxation, contentment and happiness. Pop into our shop and see our range of unique rose quartz crystals and crystal jewellery, or take a look at what’s available on our website – each piece is handmade and a one-off.
Whether you celebrate it or not, we wish you a happy and love-filled Valentine’s Day (and every day!)
How do you like to celebrate Valentine's Day? Tell us at:
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