Valentine's was established by Pope Gelasius in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14th in honor of Saint Valentine of Rome, who died on that date in AD 269. Originally it was referred to as The Feast of Saint Valentine.
The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of love flourished, apparently by association with the “Lovebirds” of early spring.
In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, sending greeting cards and offering confectionery.
Speaking of confectionery!! As a kid growing up, I remember my aunt creating molds of chocolate candies during the Valentines season. She would produce hundreds and there would be the smell of chocolate throughout the house for a month. There would be tables lining the walls with different orders piled all around. It was always fun helping her melt the different colors of chocolate, painting the molds and then filling each one to make a complete candy.
It was a time of creativity, excitement, and time to spend together.
This year think about taking some time to share an experience with your loved ones. Making chocolates is a great way to do just that. Just search Valentines Chocolate molds and you will find many options! One of the options that I found was a kit to get started for $9.99 to $40.00. You will also find bags of candy melts for about $8.00 a bag.
Happy Valentine's Day!