Cynics say that St. Valentines day is one big marketing ploy architected by the genius of Madison avenue to sell greeting cards and chocolate. Whether, this is true or not - love is a gift worth celebrating. According to historians, Valentines day originated from a cruel practice, which goes back to the fourth century B.C., where young Roman boys would draw the names of girls from a box like a lottery. The young boy would then make the girl, his sexual partner for the remaining of the year. After eight hundred years of this cruelty, the church stopped the practice and looked for a suitable patron saint of love St. Valentine was the answer. There are varying stories on St. Valentine. Some say he was a bishop, who defied Emperor Claudius rule, forbidding men to marry. Claudius believed that married men made poor soldiers. Valentine ignored this rule and secretly married young men. When Claudius found out about Valentines action, he had him beheaded. Another story has it that Valentine was imprisoned and fell in love with his jailers daughter. Before he was put to death, he wrote a note and signed it From Your Valentine. The rest is history. Now that you know the history of St. Valentines day, arent you ready to do a little something special for your lady or gentleman love? Here are a few gift ideas, guaranteed to please your significant other. Outrageously Fabulous Gifts. These are gifts that you will probably not give or get but are worth fantasizing about. TravelNothing is more romantic than a spontaneous trip. Wisk your lady love or gentleman love away on a short holiday to Paris, where they can sample the wonderful culinary delights the French have to offer. Have dinner atop the Eiffel tower and take a boat ride on the Seine in the most amorous city on the face of the earth. If you are more Italian in your taste, then find yourself in romantic Tuscany, strolling the streets of Florence or sleeping in one of the dreamy hotels along the Grand canal in Venice. If your love, is interested in wines, why not surprise them with a trip to Californias wine country. JewelryYou cant go wrong with jewelry. How about a beautiful diamond ring, necklace or watch? To make the gift more meaningful, do as St. Valentine did and have the gift inscribed with something romantic. Fantastic Yet Affordable Gifts. Spa Get AwayThere is nothing more sexy than feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and in a great mood. Spas can do this to you. Treat your significant other to a spa gift certificate so that they can indulge in a much needed rest and relaxation session. Popular treatments include Hot Stone massages, Therapeutic Swedish massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. DinnerInstead of waiting two hours to be seated at a restaurant, why not prepare a special dinner at home complete with a fancy table setting, flowers and a dessert such as chocolate covered strawberries. To make things even more special, make your service worthy of a restaurants. Create a menu, identifying your appetizers, entrees and desserts. Buy a nice wine or champagne to accompany your dinner. You cant go wrong with any of these romantic dos. |
