Originally, on this day unmarried women’s names were put into a pot. Unmarried men would choose a name and the pair would become romantic couples for the year. These matches often resulted in marriage.

Saint Valentine was considered the patron saint of betrothed couples, greetings, happy marriages, lovers & young people. Valentine’s Day became known as the day for young men to gain their chosen gal’s affection.

It is believed in England & France that birds begin to choose their mates around the middle of February. This helped lead to the romanticizing of Valentine’s Day. Superstition says that the bird you watch on Valentine’s Day will hint at the man you will marry. If you see a squirrel it means you’ll marry a cheapskate. Seeing a goldfinch means you will marry someone wealthy. Seeing a robin means you will marry a crime fighter & if you see a flock of doves that means your marriage will be peaceful and happy.

Another tradition that got its start in the middle ages was giving roses. The Greeks & Romans believed Eros (the son of Aphrodite - Greek) or Cupid (the son of Venus - Roman) was bringing sweet nectar to the gods on Olympus when he dropped some of the nectar on the ground, out of that spilled drink grew a rose. Because Eros/Cupid is the god of love, the rose became considered the flower of love. As such it became the signature gift of Valentine’s Day.

Today the holiday is no longer restricted to couples but is seen as a day to honor someone special. Have a happy Valentines Day from the staff at Alpine Lakes Real Estate.