Saint Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and by the time this is hits BocaJump, Valentine’s Day will be only 10 days away, to be exact. Do you usually celebrate Valentine’s Day, and if so, have you made your plans to woo your honey?
I started to think about the annual February 14th celebration, and wondered where and when did this celebration start? So, I did a little research, because I thought perhaps it was a Hallmark holiday like the younger sister, Sweetest Day (celebrated in October), but when I did, I found out this
Saint’s Day has some substance to it!
Did you ever hear the one about the clash between a priest and a ruler (sounds like a mischievous joke is coming up…not this time)? Well the origins of Valentine’s Day began around 300 A.D. when a bishop named Valentine held secret marriage ceremonies for soldiers because Claudius II had prohibited the young men to be married. Claudius II thought it made men weak to be married, and hence made them bad soldiers. With some further disagreements, Claudius II ordered Valentine’s execution, but before Valentine’s met his end, he asked the jailor for paper so he could write the woman he fancied a farewell message. He wrote, “From Your Valentine” – a phrase that has withheld the span of time.
Thus, the 14th of February became a day for all lovers, and Valentine became its Patron Saint. It began annual observance by young Romans who offered handwritten greetings of affection, known as Valentines, to the women they admired. (Wonder if that’s when the Greeting Card Association got its start, too!) With the coming of Christianity, the day came to be known as Saint Valentine's Day, and then later, it became more commonly known as just Valentine’s Day.
So, what are you doing for this day of love and affection? Elgin offers many options. If you are in the mood for a romantic dinner, try Villa Verone (villaverone.net) or Red Bar Winery and Bistro (redbarwinery.com). Each has a Valentine’s Day special that include a full course dinner that will warm your heart, and will win points with your Valentine! And for after-dinner-drinks, surprise your Valentine with chocolates, but with a twist! The Martini Room (martiniroomelgin.com) is presenting a Godiva Chocolate Pomegranate Twist Martini! How decadent and provocative! No worries if you miss the February 14th celebrations, because Elgin Public House (elginpublichouse.com) will be serving up a gourmet Chocolate dinner on Tuesday, February 15th, and I strongly suggest for you to review the menu under “Events” on their web-site.
You also have the option of treating your Sweetie to a show at the Hemmens (hemmens.org). The Elgin Opera is going Hollywood on Saturday, February 12th and the internationally acclaimed Golden Dragon Acrobats will be there on Sunday, February 13th. Both shows will amaze and delight.
Now, don’t forget about the present! You can go with the traditional trinket of jewelry, and if so, stop in and say hi to Pete at Shockey Jewelers (shockeyjewelers.com) for an estate piece, diamonds or even a one-of-a-kind custom design. Other shops which have unique gifts are the shops at State Street Market, such as Tallulah’s Satchel. Or downtown Elgin’s Rediscover Records (rediscoverrecords.com) where you may be able to find a sweet ol’ love song on some vinyl for your special someone!
If you do celebrate Valentine’s Day, what are you going to do? If you can, please take a moment to share your ideas with the readers. Valentine’s Day is getting closer and plans need to be made!
I started to think about the annual February 14th celebration, and wondered where and when did this celebration start? So, I did a little research, because I thought perhaps it was a Hallmark holiday like the younger sister, Sweetest Day (celebrated in October), but when I did, I found out this
Saint’s Day has some substance to it!
Did you ever hear the one about the clash between a priest and a ruler (sounds like a mischievous joke is coming up…not this time)? Well the origins of Valentine’s Day began around 300 A.D. when a bishop named Valentine held secret marriage ceremonies for soldiers because Claudius II had prohibited the young men to be married. Claudius II thought it made men weak to be married, and hence made them bad soldiers. With some further disagreements, Claudius II ordered Valentine’s execution, but before Valentine’s met his end, he asked the jailor for paper so he could write the woman he fancied a farewell message. He wrote, “From Your Valentine” – a phrase that has withheld the span of time.
Thus, the 14th of February became a day for all lovers, and Valentine became its Patron Saint. It began annual observance by young Romans who offered handwritten greetings of affection, known as Valentines, to the women they admired. (Wonder if that’s when the Greeting Card Association got its start, too!) With the coming of Christianity, the day came to be known as Saint Valentine's Day, and then later, it became more commonly known as just Valentine’s Day.
So, what are you doing for this day of love and affection? Elgin offers many options. If you are in the mood for a romantic dinner, try Villa Verone (villaverone.net) or Red Bar Winery and Bistro (redbarwinery.com). Each has a Valentine’s Day special that include a full course dinner that will warm your heart, and will win points with your Valentine! And for after-dinner-drinks, surprise your Valentine with chocolates, but with a twist! The Martini Room (martiniroomelgin.com) is presenting a Godiva Chocolate Pomegranate Twist Martini! How decadent and provocative! No worries if you miss the February 14th celebrations, because Elgin Public House (elginpublichouse.com) will be serving up a gourmet Chocolate dinner on Tuesday, February 15th, and I strongly suggest for you to review the menu under “Events” on their web-site.
You also have the option of treating your Sweetie to a show at the Hemmens (hemmens.org). The Elgin Opera is going Hollywood on Saturday, February 12th and the internationally acclaimed Golden Dragon Acrobats will be there on Sunday, February 13th. Both shows will amaze and delight.
Now, don’t forget about the present! You can go with the traditional trinket of jewelry, and if so, stop in and say hi to Pete at Shockey Jewelers (shockeyjewelers.com) for an estate piece, diamonds or even a one-of-a-kind custom design. Other shops which have unique gifts are the shops at State Street Market, such as Tallulah’s Satchel. Or downtown Elgin’s Rediscover Records (rediscoverrecords.com) where you may be able to find a sweet ol’ love song on some vinyl for your special someone!
If you do celebrate Valentine’s Day, what are you going to do? If you can, please take a moment to share your ideas with the readers. Valentine’s Day is getting closer and plans need to be made!
