[Jamaican Grill, Hagåtña. Outside, on the deck.]
Will you get candy, kisses, or cards? Or maybe flowers or hearts?
With a history that is debated, Valentine’s Day is the second-most popular card-giving day of the year, next only to Christmas. It is the fourth biggest holiday of the year for confectionery purchases, after Halloween, Easter and Christmas. Of fresh flower purchases only, Valentine's Day ranks No. 1, capturing 36% of holiday transactions and 40% of holiday dollar volume. It is the #1 holiday for florists.
Valentine greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages, a time when prospective lovers said or sang their romantic verses. Written valentines began to appear after 1400. Paper valentines originated in the 1500s, being exchanged in Europe and being given in place of valentine gifts and oral or musical valentine greetings. They were particularly popular in England.
There is no set explanation as to why people exchange candy, but like all things, there are many theories. Two explanations are widely accepted. The first dates back to the 1800s when 19th century doctors used to suggest chocolate as an unorthodox prescription for their heartbroken patients. The effects of the chocolate were hoped to soothe their emotions. Second, chocolate has been used as an aphrodisiac for many centuries. So one can assume that it was introduced as a compliment to Valentine’s Day, a day of love.
For thousands of years, the middle of February has been a time of fertility festival celebrations, so it is no wonder Valentine's Day flowers are often the Valentine's Day gift of choice around this time of year. For centuries, flowers have symbolized fertility, love, marriage, and romance. The history of giving your loved one Valentine's Day flowers comes from the old-fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. Introduced in the 18th century by Charles II of Sweden, each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, making it possible to have an entire conversation using only flowers.
Come and spend some time with others who share your LOVE of geocaching. See if you get candy, kisses, or cards . . .