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| St. Valentine's Day! |
Hey,
Valentine's Day is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives me the perfect opportunity to express how much Flora means to me. She has always been my inspiration—her kindness, her love for nature, and the way she sees beauty in everything around her.
I wanted to make this Valentine's Day unforgettable, so I spent weeks planning the perfect surprise. With some help from our friends, I prepared a secret garden picnic deep in the enchanted woods near Alfea. I knew Flora would love being surrounded by nature, so I made sure everything felt as magical as possible: fireflies glowing in the air, a soft blanket with floral embroidery, and a selection of her favorite treats served on handcrafted wooden plates.
The Origins of Valentine's Day
Did you know that Valentine's Day has historical roots? The celebration is believed to have originated from Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who performed secret marriages for soldiers forbidden to wed. The holiday also has links to Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival dedicated to fertility and love, celebrated in mid-February. Over time, February 14th became associated with romance, and by the Middle Ages, it was common to send love letters and small tokens of affection.
Valentine's Day Traditions Around the World
While many countries celebrate Valentine's Day with flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt letters, some cultures have unique traditions:
Japan: Women gift chocolates to men, and a month later, on White Day, men return the favor.
Denmark: Instead of red roses, people exchange pressed white flowers called snowdrops.
Wales: Couples gift intricately carved love spoons as a token of affection.
South Korea: Each month on the 14th has a romantic theme, with April 14th known as Black Day, where singles eat black noodles to commemorate their singleness.
A Romantic Evening for Flora and Me
So, what happened with my surprise? Well, when Flora arrived at the garden, I greeted her with a single pink rose, symbolizing admiration and affection.
We spent the evening talking about our dreams, sharing poetry, and enjoying the tranquil beauty of nature. As a special gift, I gave her a handmade journal filled with sketches of her favorite flowers and poems I had written just for her.
To me, Valentine's Day isn't about grand gestures but about expressing love in a way that truly matters. Whether through simple gifts, heartfelt words, or spending time together, love is best shown through sincerity. |
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