Roman roots

The ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia is said to have been held on 15 February. It is understood this day was largely focused purification and fertility rather than love and romance. 

Then the Catholic Church later set 14 February as Saint Valentine’s Day. Valentine was also Roman. It is said that Valentine was living with a pagan Roman family, who had a blind daughter. The father told Valentine he would convert his family to Christianity if he could restore the daughter’s vision. Valentine was of course successful. Word spread but Valentine was ultimately executed under Roman Emperor, Claudius second. Where the connection to love came isn’t entirely clear, but among other things, Saint Valentine is connected to Roses, Marriage and Honey (conveniently an aphrodisiac).

Modern Observance

Romance is one of the main inspirations for art and poetry. A beautiful, confusing, maddening, passionate feeling, society wouldn’t need much convincing to celebrate a day dedicated to Romantic love. 

Love letters, cards and flowers have been sent for years in the UK. There are also further localised traditions, for example ‘Jack Valentine’ in Norfolk. A Father Christmas type character who would give sweet gifts to children. 

In our oversharing, social media heavy society of today, it could be easy for us to get jealous seeing the boyfriend who surprises his girlfriend with a trip to Paris, of filling a hotel room with heart shaped balloons and presents. Instead on focusing on the material and excess, here are some simple, frugal and thoughtful ways to treat the one you love which pay homage to the days origins.

Chocolate drops:

Something Jack Valentine might have left on your door step, these sweet treats can be varied to your own (or lover’s) personal taste. 

This method uses dark chocolate, ginger and honey (three aphrodisiacs).

1. Grate two tablespoons worth of ginger, and gently toast it in a small frying pan with a little butter and sugar. Once it has caramelised, set aside. 
2. Melt down some dark chocolate on a low to medium heat on the hob. To avoid it burning, fill a saucepan halfway with boiled water, and let the chocolate melt gently in a heat proof bowl resting on top.
3. Once the chocolate has melted, add in a tablespoon of honey (or more or less depending on your preference!). This recipe uses a honey infused with ginger from Yorkshire.
4. When the mixture has combined completely and is of a nice, smooth consistency, add the caramelised ginger and stir.
5.  Using a teaspoon create as many little chocolate drops as you desire. You can pipe them onto a baking tray covered in foil to cool.
6. Once they have cooled they will be ready to eat. If you are gifting them, you can present them in a little gift bag or box as an added touch.

Herb blend:

Something for your intimates drawer, under the pillow, or even just in a bowl somewhere you may need a little lift. These aromatic gifts aren’t just a treat for the senses, the herbs and plants used are linked to fertility, libido and relaxation.

Option 1 (more masculine):

Cinnamon sticks, Dried Ginger

Option 2 (more feminine):

Rose, lavender, Chamomile

1. For both options gather the dried ingredients and mix them in the desired proportions in a bowl. 
2. Once mixed, you can distribute however you want- pouches or dishes work best. 

Tips – if you cannot source the exact ingredients, you can always get an essential oil instead. Add a couple of drops once your dried ingredients are mixed. 

It is no surprise that these can mainly be found in health shops, supermarkets or grocers. Food is medicine, and these herbal blends are no exception.

P.S

Saint Valentine’s Day can feel a bit pointless if you’re single. There’s no reason you can’t treat yourself to these gifts above. However, if you are seeking someone special, 14th February was also a popular time to practice love divination in English Folklore.