‘Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love’. William Shakespeare
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is just round the corner.
Whether you’re single or joyfully coupled up, chances are you have a thing or two to learn about Valentine.
What colour would be better to celebrate love than red, the colour of blood and fire, expression of love, passion, desire, sensitivity and romance.
A little red on burgundy action today. I’m such a huge fan of red (as you can see here and here) and find that deep crimson reds work very well with my skin tone. It’s the perfect pick-me-up colour not only to celebrate love but also to combat winter blues.
Every February 14, across the United States and not only, flowers and gifts are exchanged, all in the name of St. Valentine.
Treating yourself is totally acceptable too!
But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?
1. How did Valentine’s Day start?
Valentine’s day is a very old tradition (going back for centuries), thought to have originated from a Roman festival. The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February – officially the start of their springtime. It’s thought that as part of the celebrations, boys drew names of girls from a box. These matches often led to marriage.
If you are interested in exploring more about Valentine’s day, you can find it here.
2. Why do people celebrate Valentine’s Day?
The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.
3. When did Valentine’s Day become commercial?
By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters and these were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged.
In 1913 Hallmark Cards in Kansas City began mass producing specific Valentine’s Day cards. Now about a billion cards are sold every year and it’s the second biggest card sending time of the whole year.
4. Why are roses associated with Valentine’s Day?
Roses have been the symbol of love since the early 1700s when Charles II of Sweden brought the Persian poetical art known as the “language of flowers” to Europe.
The red rose was also believed to be the flower favoured by Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love, and has therefore come to represent that.
5. Why do we sign cards anonymously?
I’m sure I’m not the only one that has sent or received an anonymous Valentine’s card? It actually takes me ‘a good few’ years back, to the school days. I still remember how on the 14th February everyone was hopeful to find a card on their desks when back from a school break… sweet memories.
The actual reason for doing so, apart from avoiding embarrassing rejection, is an actual tradition started by the Victorians. They thought it was bad luck to sign the cards with actual names.
6. “Wearing your heart on your sleeve” is more than just a phrase.
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names to see who their Valentine would be. They would wear the name pinned to their sleeve for one week so that everyone would know their supposed true feelings.
7. The chocolate box has been around for more than 140 years.
The first Valentine’s Day box of chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.
Absolutely stunning look…..Love it,
love from Sylwia,
http://www.passion4luxus.com
thanks beautiful xx
thanks you Shannon! xx
Babe, you look stunning! Such a glamorous edgy look on you dear. I sooo love your coat, the color is such a headturner. Gorgeous over-the-knee boots you got there too!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I love this look, and the post itself is super interesting. I had always wondered but never looked into valentines day hisotry. Thanks for sharing!!! This bag reminds me of the Poachette Metis from LV!
Jani from http://www.mylifeinmedicineblog.com
thank you Jani! happy you enjoyed reading the post! I certainly learnt one or two facts myself xx
So interesting to learn more about the background behind Valentine’s Day – thanks for sharing! And I’m loving your outfit, especially that jacket!
Heathrr xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
thank you sweetie and I’m so glad you enjoyed the post xx
I didn’t know a lot of these so thanks for sharing. I love your color combo and you look really great! x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com/
thank you Ann-Marie! xx
Great post! I love the red and burgundy combo.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
thank you Gemma! kisses xx
Such a cute outfit! Love how you mixed red with burgundy and love those boots!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
thank you Samantha! for some reason I really like the mix of burgundy and red, it’s such an empowering combo xx
Marvelous outfit. I am really loving your boots. They are my favorite part of your look.
LaToya
http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com
thank you girl! those boots are something, they look great and are so comfortable xx
Thanks for sharing all the interesting information about Valentine’s day. Everything was new for me as in my generation in Bavaria is was not popular to celebrate this day. But I see that this habit is very old! I love your mix with red and burgundy – you look absolutely fantastic!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I know Rena, I was a bit surprised to find out how old this tradition is! Kisses xx
Oh thanks a lot for sharing these Valentine’s Day facts! I didn’t know all of this! 🙂 I also love your red & burgundy outfit, so chic!
xx
Claire from Dresscape
http://www.dresscape.com
thank you Claire, happy you liked the styling. it was so much fun researching about Valentine’s day xx
I adore this color combo, you look SO fab !
http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
thank you beautiful xx
Absolutely love how you coordinated this look! Also I love the write up on the history of Valentine’s day. Its good to know why things are the way that they are. Thanks for sharing love.
Xoxo
http://www.stylemefancy.com
thank you sweetie! so glad you likes the post. it means a lot xx
Interesting to know these things! Your outfit is gorgeous, red is lovely!
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
thank you beautiful!! xx
I’m amazed 1 billion Valentine’s cards are sold each year, that’s an incredible figure! You look so lovely in this Valentine’s themed outfit 🙂
aglassofice.com
x
thank you sweetie xx
I love the burgundy with the red put together.
xx,
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/
thank you Margot! xx
I love your coat, so perfect for Valentines Day!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
thank you Laura! xx
Great post!
https://brightdecember.blogspot.com/
thanks sweetie xx
Great color combo!
Happy Valentine’s Day doll!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
<a
thank you Paola. I hope you had a great day babe xx
your look is amazing! xoxo
http://www.mypowderpink.com
thank you girl. kisses xx
Thanks for sharing such interesting facts about this day! By the way, you outfit is just perfect!
XO
Daria
http://www.dbkstylez.com
thanks Daria xx
thanks sweetie xx
This is such an interesting post – I loved finding out these facts about Valentine’s Day.
You look stunning in this outfit – I love the colour combination
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
thank you Julia! I’m so glad you like the styling xx
I love this- I had no idea where or how Valentine’s Day originated. Too cool! And loving you in this red coat!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
thanks Ashley xx
Hello,
Oh, lovely !
Sarah, http://www.sarahmodeee.fr/
thanks sweetie xx
Great look, perfect for Valentine’s Day! Thanks for sharing all these interesting facts about Valentine’s Day, I didn’t know any of that! Makes sense why we sign cards anonymously! 🙂
Magda
https://www.gloryofthesnow.com/
thanks Magda! who would thought there is so much more into Valentine’s than just a commercial side. xx
Cool post! There are a few i didn’t know. Love the outfit!
http://www.comfycozyup.com
thanks sweetie! kisses xx
Such a perfect Valentines Day look! The shades of red are gorgeous!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
thank you Shannon! xx
Thanks for sharing insight about Valentine’s Day! Love your fabulous outfit, especially the boots, they look so stunning on you! And I am gonna treat myself this Valentine’s 🙂
Hope you’re having a lovely Valentine’s week <3
xx
Ankita
http://realgirltalks.com/
thank you Ankita! I’m so happy you liked the styling! those boots are a great find, not only stylish but also comfortable xx
Very cool color combination! I adore those boots.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
thank you Kathrine! xx
Stunning outfit! I really love your boots. And those are very interesting facts. I never thought Valentine’s day had so much history.
– Gretch of GG Memochou
thank you Gretch! it means a lot girl xx
Didn’t know all these you just listed, btw lovely outfit.
Bernie, xx
The Style Fanatic
thanks Bernie! I’m glad the post was an interesting read! xx
Amazing look 🙂
Have a good day!
thanks babe xx
Those boots are absolutely gorgeous; I love the satin finish! Burgundy and red are such beautiful colors paired together and create a nice moody color block effect, perfect for Valentine’s week! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
thank you Jalisa, I’m so glad you liked the styling. I really like pairing red with burgundy, such an empowering combo xx
This is the perfect classy and red-ish valentine’s day look.
The combination is so great hun.
take a look at my newest BLOGENTRY
thank you sweetie! I have tried to comment on your last post but I’m still unable to post comments on your blog 🙂
Great pictures and cool facts! I didn’t realise that Valentine’s Day originated from the Romans!!
Have a lovely day 🙂
Rosanna x
thank hun, glad you liked the post. xx
Great post, never learned so much about this day so thank you for that !
And you look so wonderful, amazing photos 😀
Sending love,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com
thank you two! so glad my post had some educational value too 🙂 Kisses xx
Such a pretty outfit babe!
x Rubi
Pose & Repeat
thank you babe! xx
Ou, this was an interesting read!! You outfit looks lovely, btw! 🙂
thank you sweetie xx
This outfit is super elegant!!
Thanks for sharing all of these interesting facts about Valentine’s Day! It was very entertaining! 🙂
Andrea.
Seize your Style
thank you Andrea, glad you enjoyed reading the post xx
Obsessed with that coat, such a gorgeous pop of red <3
Green Fashionista
thank you girl! xx
I am not a huge fan of Valentine’ s day but I do love your red coat!
http://www.dontcallmefashionblogger.com
thank you sweetie. I do love this coats, it looks great with pretty much everything, great cut! xx
These colours are perfection and I’m in love with your bag hun xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
thank you sweetie! xx
I love the combination of red and burgundy! Separately, they’re lovely, but together they are stunning!
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
thank you Kathrin! I’m so glad you liked my styling xx
Such a great post babe! I had no idea how Valentines Day even started! So cool! Thanks for sharing <3
XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/valentines-day-wavy-hair-tutorial/
I know, I didn’t until I did some research. So many interesting facts I have learnt myself xx
I really enjoyed reading this, hun. I’m a huge “fun facts” fan. And your outfit is so chic.
xo | Cindy Elena
http://www.boringclothes.com
thank you sweetie! xx
Good post!, beautiful outfit!.
xo
New post: http://blondepow.blogspot.com/2018/02/outfits-for-valentines.html / http://blondepow.blogspot.com/2018/02/after-9-months-kylie-jenner-announces.html
Blog: http://blondepow.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blonde_stylishchic/?hl=es
thank you sweetie xx
I did not know all these facts! Super interesting! Love the mixing of red and burgundy together!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
thanks Jennifer! I’m so glad you liked the styling xx
Lovely post and great outfit!! 😉
kisses
Agnese & Elisa
http://desiresinstyle.com/
Author
thank you both!! xx
Hej! Świetny post, jesteś naprawdę megaaa śliczna 🙂
obserwuje i zapraszam do mnie :
milentry-blog.blogspot.com
Author
thanks sweetie! xx
Love the mix of red and burgundy and the coat is adorable!
New outfit post: Casual basics
Author
thank you gorgeous! I hope you had a fantastic Valentine’s xx
Loving your style! You are so chic. Would you like to follow for follow on Bloglovin? 🙂
Xx,
http://beatricebalaj.com/
Author
hi sweetie. yes I will follow you xx
Absolutely beautiful colour combination … love red and bourgundy! Wishing you a beautiful Valentine’s Day! 💗👍🏼💗
🌸🍃LA BIJOUX BELLA 🌸🍃| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
thank you beautiful! I hope you had a great Valentine’s Day! xx
You’re a good teacher you know? 😉 I’ve learned a lot about Valentine’s day! I’ll celebrate upon my return from Vegas as I’m about to leave for a week … business is business! But great perfumes are already delivered … several? Yes as I could not chose 😉 Now about your look: I’m also a fan of two color mix … red and burgundy is a very nice one and I’m fan of your OTK boots … and to finish on the funny side it’s original to see your photograph in the metallic ball 🙂 Have a great day and week-end xx
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/first-anniversarheel/
thanks sweetie, it means a lot! xx