How do I offer lasting Valentine’s Day greetings?

Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated?

What do you spontaneously and intuitively associate with February 14th? What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "Valentine's Day"? What images and colors do you see...red or pink hearts, lovers, red roses or colorful, hand-picked bouquets...romantic photos of two people, lovingly given Valentine's Day greetings? Who and what do you especially like to think of? Valentine's Day is therefore a day for lovers, but also a day on which you can thank your loved ones for being there.

So who is Valentine, and why is he so cherished on February 14th each year? The tradition of Valentine's Day dates back to Saint Valentine. According to traditional legend, Bishop Valentine of Terni helped and healed many sick people in Rome in the 3rd century AD. Through his persuasive work, he converted them to the Christian faith and was particularly committed to successful marriages for troubled couples.

Saint Valentine is considered the patron saint of happy couples. He is also invoked for help in various illnesses, such as the plague. Therefore, in 496 AD, 200 years after Valentine's death, Pope Gelasius declared February 14th Valentine's Day . The popular custom of giving flowers on Valentine's Day dates back to a British tradition of sending love letters on February 14th and has been called "Open Hearts Day" since 1950.

What is the meaning of Valentine's Day?

February 14th is also said to have been celebrated in the Roman Empire as a memorial day for Juno, the goddess of childbirth, marriage, and nurture. Flower offerings were made on the occasion of the February 14th celebrations. Many children, for example, craft and design loving gifts for their parents, grandparents, and loved ones on Valentine's Day. Another love custom from the late Middle Ages determined a Valentine and a Valentine by drawing lots on February 14th, who were then considered engaged for one year.

The still widely used The Valentine's Day tradition of "Valentine Greetings " dates back to the 14th century. The poem "The Parliament of Fowls" by the British author Geoffrey Chaucer provides one of the earliest records of Valentine's Day being celebrated as a special day for lovers. Valentine's Day is celebrated not only in Germany, but also in many other countries around the world, and gifts are given to friends.

In Finland, Valentine's Day celebrates the value of friendship. Finns give gifts to their friends. In Sweden, red wine gum hearts are traditionally given on "Heart Day." In contrast, April 23rd has taken on a similar significance in Spain. On "Dia de St. Jordi ," women often give books, and men frequently give a single red rose. Valentine's Day is thus considered a celebration of love around the world. It reminds you to show your affection and gratitude.

What sustainable gift can I give for Valentine’s Day?

The small, heartfelt gifts bring the most joy and bring a happy smile. Show your loved ones how much they mean to you by giving sustainable, resource-conscious gifts for Valentine's Day. Often, this is not only easy but also fun. All products from our shinyly.shop are sustainable and resource-efficient.

Perhaps you could invite your loved ones on Valentine's Day to make their own sugar-free organic chocolate together. Or, instead of the obligatory cut flowers, you could give beautiful potted plants in clay pots, organically grown by fairly paid workers. Perhaps you could organize a relaxed candlelight dinner in nature with a sustainably produced and lovingly prepared feast. With a few blankets and cozy pillows, you can conjure up the most wonderful Valentine's Day picnic.

During a relaxed stroll through our sustainably oriented shinly.shop, you'll find fantastic, high-quality wellness products in every category that you can give as a Valentine's Day gift with a clear conscience. Especially for February 14th, our special Valentine & Valentina category currently offers exclusive Valentine's Day T-shirts with beautiful designs for gifts and for yourself. These T-shirts offer a high-quality feel and a good carbon footprint for the environment.

How did I make Valentine's Day the day of sustainable hearts?

So, for Valentine's Day, less is more, and it doesn't have to be the most expensive gift that will quickly disappear in the closet or be thrown away. Alternatively, you can also win the hearts of your loved ones in a lasting way. Perhaps this Valentine's Day you could give your loved ones time for a relaxing walk on a wall and listen to them mindfully and non-judgmentally. Enjoy the beautiful nature and replenish all your resources on this special day.

Fill February 14th with appreciative, honest care, loving togetherness, and unconditional attention. Simply let go of stress, rushed superficiality, or empty self-regard and open yourself to more sustainable, respectful and appreciative encounters at eye level with the people you hold dear. In doing so, you'll also be giving yourself a gift, without necessarily expecting it.

A Happy Valentine's Day celebration designed this way will allow you and your loved ones to look back fondly on it and, with inner resources replenished, face the often stressful everyday life with much greater resilience. And ultimately, every day can be a little bit Valentine's Day. With small, loving, and consciously sustainable gifts in the midst of everyday life, everyone benefits: the people, animals, and even the nature in which we live.

Conclusion

Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries as a day of love, friendship, and loving care. The focus is on giving handmade or purchased Valentine's Day gifts. Many legends and beautiful customs surround Valentine's Day as the day of the heart, which are still celebrated on Valentine's Day today. To protect the earth's resources, we should avoid junky gifts that are quickly forgotten or thrown away, and pay more attention to holistic sustainability.