HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF VALENTINE'S DAY?

We were just working on our Valentines newsletter and realised that none of us actually knew the story behind St. Valentines. We have embraced the day of romance to varying degrees without having any idea about the origin of this celebration. So we got curious and started to have a look and found many different explanations, adding to the mystery. We thought we share with you

our favourite legends, neither of them particularly romantic I’m afraid.

 

 

Most sources agree that Valentines is derived from Christian and Roman traditions and there are at least three recognised saints with that name. One legend contends that St Valentine was a Roman priest in the 3^rd century AD. During this time, the emperor Claudius II banned marriage, as he thought that single men made better soldiers. St Valentine realised the injustice and defied the decree and performed marriages in secret. Claudius II found out about Valentine’s secret arrangements and sentenced him to death.

Another story suggests that Valentine was sentenced to death for helping Christians escape the harsh Roman prisons. The imprisoned Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and on the day of his death, February 14^th, he left her his final letter, signed “From your Valentine”. The story goes that Valentine himself sent the first Valentine card.

Over centuries the 14^th of February evolved into an occasion on which couples express their love for each other by gifting flowers, chocolates, jewellery and greetings cards. In Europe, Valentines keys would be gifted as a romantic symbol and invitation to “unlock the giver's heart”

 

Our Creative Director Andrea Hauer got carried away with the notion of love and has designed some pieces especially for St. Valentines.

 

"Love is in the air" - romantic silver bracelets

 

 

"Together forever" - unity collection

"You are my superstar" - silver star necklaces

 We wish you all a wonderful Valentine's day! 
A great occasion to remind us what it's all about... love.

With Love,

Team Neola x