As soon as the busy Christmas and New Year period ends, our thoughts turn to the Valentine’s Day party, celebrated on February 14 by lovers around the world!

Through the cold and dark days of winter, it is an excellent excuse to rejoice our hearts, show our romantic side and dream of the warmer weather of summer.

Traditional love tokens are greeting cards, chocolates, and red roses, followed by a secluded table at a local restaurant for your favorite meal and a special time with your loved one.

But what are the origins of this particular holiday, and why do we most often associate it with food, flowers, and cards?

The first beginnings of this special day are believed to have been established in Roman times, when many Christian martyrs were named Valentine. Legends abound, but I really don’t see how you can go from a rather horrible death to the sugary sweetness of today’s celebrations.

For the British people, Chaucer probably came closest to linking a Valentine with romance and love, writing a sonnet to commemorate King Richard II of England’s engagement to Anne of Bohemia.

“Because this was on Valentine’s Day,

When every bird comes there to choose its mate “

Over the centuries, many poets and writers added their weight to the legends, including Shakespeare, who wrote an article in Hamlet for Ophelia, who commented rather regretfully:

“Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day,

All in the morning before

And I am a maid at your window

To be your Valentine.

Then he got up and dressed,

And he tricked the chamber door;

Let the maid in, a maid comes out

I never left again. “

It’s a British publisher that took the next step towards the modern ideal of Valentine’s gifts by printing sentimental verses on cards in an effort to help the poor dazzled lover who couldn’t think of the right words to use.

With the advent of the penny post, it was now possible to submit your card anonymously, and the verses soon got a bit bolder, adding to the excitement and anticipation. From the prudish Victorian to the commercial 20th century, we quickly gained reasons to promote Valentine’s Day to one of gifts and treats, with diamond jewelry, red roses, and of course, the banquet!

Today we can even send digital cards, but I’m not sure it’s the same as getting something in the mail! For me, I prefer to be carried away by red roses, chocolates and the secluded place of my favorite restaurant. The night could only be sweeter if you didn’t have to drive home!