#DidUknow: 'februaue' means "to purify"?

‍Valentine's Day, a celebration steeped in history &romance, has evolved into a day to express love and affection. In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating history behind this love-filled day before exploring three crucial aspects of dating, shedding light on safety precautions & recognizing the difference between red roses & flags.

Unveiling Valentine's Day: History, Customs & Celebrations

It's important to understanding the history & customs of Valentine's Day; adding depth to the celebration, let's explore the origins and evolution of this day, from ancient rituals to modern traditions.

Valentine's Day History:

• Rumored to have taken place between 13 February - 15 February, Romans' commemorated Lupercus (alternatively known as Faunus) was known as the protector of cattle and identified as "he who wards off the wolf".   Lupercus was a Roman deity of flocks & shepherds embodying the role of protector of cattle.
• and its connection to fertility rituals.
• Since married men were excused from joining the Roman army, Emporer Claudius II imposed a ban on marriages. That ban was ignored by Valentine (alternatively known as Valentinuhs), a Roman priest & rumored physician, who was eventually jailed for continuing to marry singletons.  It was only after Valentine's beheading did he receive Sainthood (c. 270 C.E.)
• During the 5th century Pope Gelasius declared the 14th of February a holy day.
• The martyrdom of St. Valentine and the subsequent Christianization of the day. / and Pope Gelasius renamed a pagan festival of love — the Feast of Lupercalia — as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 C.E.

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Valentine's Day Customs:

• The association of roses with Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
• The story of Cupid, the mischievous counterpart of Eros.
• How the day transitioned from a Roman pagan celebration to a Christian holiday.

Fascinating Facts:

• The colors of roses have different meanings!
• In America, 1.7 Billion dollars are spent for Valentine's Day per year! But did you know that the flowers you're getting are potentially from south of the Earth's equator? With Valentine's Day celebrations taking place in the middle of winter above the equator, these symbols of affection are purchased from South America namely Columbia & Ecuador.
• #DoUknow about the rose code? Pink shouts admiration, purple's is for eternal love, red is pure passionate love and yellow?
• The color & amount of roses have many different meanings! Pink is for admiration; Purple: I will always love you; Red: passionate love; Yellow as we know, stands for friendship.
• Don't be fooled, it's not just about the colors, it's about the numbers too! One rose: the recipient is the only one for you. 11: you are the missing stem. 3 roses is the classic "I love you". 3 dozen means "my heart truly belongs to you". Feeling the floral vibes yet? 🌹💫
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• The month of February being sacred to Juno, the Roman goddess of love and marriage.

‍Dating Safely: Navigating the Modern Maze

‍In the fast-paced world of online dating, safety is paramount. The second aspect of our guide focuses on being cautious and prepared, especially in scenarios where one might feel stood up. Here are some alternative activities and safety measures to consider:

Alternate Activities:

• Visit a local precinct before heading home to ensure safety.
• Opt for public spaces for initial meetings.
• Inform a friend or family member about the date details.

Safety Measures:

• Avoid sharing personal information too soon.
• Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings.
• Have a backup plan for transportation.
• If your date doesn't show up, never go directly home. There are MANY stories about people being stood up on a date, only to realie they're being followed home.

Beyond the Façade: Recognizing Red Flags

‍In the third segment, we explore the importance of being wary of people who seem too good to be true. Many individuals may use a façade to conceal less desirable qualities. We briefly touch on narcissism, with a promise to delve deeper into the topic in a future discussion.

Recognizing Red Flags:

• Trust your intuition; if something feels off, it most certainly is. No need to hesitate to investigate.
• Pay attention to inconsistencies in their stories.
• Be cautious if they avoid introducing you to their social circle.

Narcissism Teaser:

• Briefly touch on narcissism, with a promise of a detailed discussion in September.

As you embrace the spirit of Valentine's Day, armed with knowledge and insights into the rich history behind the celebration and safe dating practices, may your journey in the realm of love be fulfilling and secure. Remember, love is a beautiful adventure and understanding its nuances makes the journey even more enchanting. Happy Valentine's Day!

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