The Origins of Valentine’s

The roots and the potential of the most renowned day of romance… 

We love any reason to revel in romance, especially when there is potential for exploration and pleasure. So it should come as no surprise that we firmly approve of Valentine’s Day and the opportunity to celebrate love and intimacy in all its manifestations.

 But what is it about February 14th? Where did this calendar event come from and how has it evolved? We thought we would take a glimpse into the origins and evolution of such a pivotal day of delights.

 

Once Upon a Time…

There are a few possibilities for these romantic origins. The first starts in Ancient Rome, during the festival of Lupercalia, pitched as a celebration of the coming of spring and fertility. Young men and women would be paired up to choose their “valentine” of sorts, and spend the day together. Another narrative of Lupercalia saw Roman men drink to excess and then sacrifice a goat… To top off the romantic tone, the men would take to the streets and slap women with strips of the hide believing to help with fertility. This pagan festival was eventually Christianised by the Catholic Church in the 5th Century, when Pope Gelasius – not the greatest fan of Lupercalia – condemned the festival and declared February 14th a Christian feast day, in honour of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr.

 The legends surrounding Saint Valentine are plentiful. Some say Valentine was a priest in 3rd Century Rome, who defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly performing marriages for soldiers. His story didn’t end happily ever after, sadly. He was imprisoned for his faith and in the meantime healed his jailer's blind daughter and developed a close bond. Before his execution, he wrote a letter to the daughter, signed “From your Valentine” – The first noted love letter, and one for the ages.

 

A Hallmark Day Evolves

 The tradition of giving flowers on Valentine's Day originated in the 17th century when King Charles II of Sweden introduced the Persian art of floriography to Europe. Floriography is the language of flowers, which uses specific flowers and their symbolic meanings to convey messages. 

Roses are associated with several of the most romantic deities, Aphrodite, Eros and Venus. In the world of numerology, the number 12 is often associated with completeness and perfection – and so, the suitable tradition of a dozen red roses for the beloved.

 Not always known for our romantic disposition, but it was here in England in the 18th Century where the custom of exchanging romantic cards and gifts began to flourish – mainly handmade with lace and ribbons, with loving poems and messages of affection inside. The Victorians took this even further, creating elaborate cards with intricate designs and cryptic, often anonymous notes, gradually known as “valentines.”

In 1861 British Chocolatier Richard Cadbury had an idea to package his chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, referring to them as ‘the fancy box’. Once the chocolates were enjoyed, the box could then store mementoes and love letters, adding further appeal to this offering. This approach took the confectionary world by storm, not only bringing hearts into the packaging, but into the advertising realm. By the 1900s the heart was a staple feature in Valentine’s advertising, and has continued ever since.

 A ‘Hallmark’ Day evolved. The commercialisation of Valentine’s Day numbing the sentiment for many, adding an increased pressure to be romantic. For those not in relationships, those lacking in enthusiastic declarations of affection, or indeed those finding it too commercialised, February 14th became something of an affliction to many – one to escape entirely. Something we’re keen to address within the Home of Pleasure…

 

A Romantic Revival

We believe in the power of pleasure. When it comes to the life-changing potential for female pleasure, our position is delightfully firm. Whatever your relationship status, we encourage you to take the time to indulge in your most intimate desires, sharing the love of all kinds – especially self-love, of course. 

A few ideas to whet your romantic appetites…

 

Make It Sensational

 Lower the lights and get in the mood with our ‘Reveal Your Majesty’ playlist.

Explore the realms of touch, sound, sight, taste and more. We’ve more suggestions of this nature in our ‘Sensory Pleasures’ piece – take a look and let your imagination soar.

For those looking for a visual feast in screen format, may we recommend a cinematic experience with Babygirl, The Substance, or The Last Showgirl with our icon Pamela Anderson. Inspiring and awakening on a number of levels.

 

Love Languages, the Coco de Mer Way

There are five main ways in which people express and acknowledge emotional affection.  

Physical Touch – Take the time to explore yourself and your partner. Take note of what feels good, and communicate – the feedback will be appreciated, we assure you.

Quality Time – There’s no need to rush. Put away any distractions and be present in the moment. Careful listening and lingering eye contact will add further connection here.

Affirmations – Again, add the first two together and you have quite the encouragement.

Acts of Service – We can think of a few.

Tokens of Appreciation - Allow us to assist…

 

A Few of our Favourites:

Explore Our Valentine's Edit

Whatever your plans, we hope you will revel in romance and enjoy yourself, as literally as possible. The pleasure is all yours, always.

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