Valentine’s Day…the day of love and romance. You might be surprised as to how this became such a popular day for lovers. This day was not celebrated as such until the 14th century. There were several Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 ce.
Valentine’s Day, February 14, is when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. It has been suggested that the holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the paring off of women with men by lottery. The origin of the holiday is vague at best. Valentine’s Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century.
How much does this day of “love” cost us now? It is estimated that Americas will spend$18.2 billion, an average of $136.57 per person. Jewelry is the most popular gift with people spending a total of $4.3 billion, flowers next comes in at $2 billion and $1.7 billion on candy. But nothing can replace the love letters. Couples will exchange 190 million greeting cards, spending $1 billion dollars.
Are you one of these people who wait until the last minute and hurry to spend your money on declarations of love? I too, am guilty of buying the “love letter card” for my love. Sometimes I get inspired and write my own. My husband loves chocolate, especially the kind that comes in a box where you guess what kind of confection you are eating, so I usually get him one, a big one so I can share.
And my in-house sweetheart NEVER forgets the love letter card, never. The first year we were married he did forget, and it was nearly a devastation of sorts. He had to go to several stores the next day and beg for one box of candy just to pacify and placate his child bride. Since 1963, sixty-one years, he always remembers the love letter.
Of course, I always send some type of love to all my sweethearts, my grandchildren. But, in my defense, I really do my best to let them, and my children and my Valentine sweetheart know every day how much I love them and cherish and value their love for me. Let’s make every day a “love day”.
2 Ingredient White Chocolate Fudge with Heart Sprinkles
2 ½ cups of white chocolate chips
16 ounces of vanilla bought frosting such as Duncan Hines, and little heart sprinkles.
Melt chocolate chips and frosting in a microwave safe bowl until smooth.
Pour into a 9-inch parchment lined pan and sprinkle with candy hearts.
Chill for three hours and cut into squares.
