So It’s Valentine’s Day
So it’s Valentine’s Day. Love it or hate it, it happens every year. As December ends, love is in the air. Throughout January and early February you can’t avoid seeing boxes of candy, teddy bears, and cards of all sizes and sentiments. There is home-decor to spread the love around every corner of your house and clothing so you can literally wear your heart on your sleeve.
Roses in February?
Nearly 250 million roses are grown in preparation for Valentine’s Day each year. To ensure there will be flowers for the holiday, Ecuador, Kenya and Columbia will ship roses to the U.S, as our colder temperatures are not ideal for their growth in February.
History – Two Valentines
According to History.com , there were two men named Valentine who may have inspired this holiday. One was patron St. Valentine and the other was a priest in third century Rome that defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage (thinking it distracted young soldiers). Father Valentine, until caught and sentenced to death, illegally married couples in the spirit of love.
First Valentine in the 15th Century
The oldest record of a valentine being sent was a poem written in 1415 by a French Duke to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. A line in the Duke’s poem read? “I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine.”
Mass Production
Valentine’s Day cards were mass-produced in the 1840s in the U.S. And were sold by Esther A. Howland who was known as the “Mother of the American Valentine.” Howland is credited with commercializing Valentine’s Day cards in America, and is remembered for her elaborate, crafty cards made with lace and ribbons.
V-Day Alternative for Singles
February 14th is also International Quirkyalone Day and has been celebrated globally since 2003. Not anti-Valentine’s Day, but rather a moment to celebrate self-love and platonic relationships.
Alone on Valentine’s Day? Reach out to friends, neighbors and loved ones you don’t see every day. It just might be the only kindness they receive.
Cardinal Staffing Services – Since 1994
Our goal is to create a positive work environment for our employees, customers, and candidates. Whether you are searching for great talent to fill open roles or you are looking for new job opportunities, Cardinal Staffing Services will help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to get started.