Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world on the 14th February, but did you know that some countries have the most creative and unique symbols? I am a total romantic and love the stories of Venus/Aphrodite the goddess of Love, as well as Cupid/Eros her mischievous son. Love has no boundaries.
"Love changes everything. So fill the world with it." - Kid President
Love in Singapore ©MDHarding
Symbols Of Love From Around The World
About Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day also known as Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine dates back to the year 496 where it began as a Roman Festival held in the middle of February called Lupercalia. Celebrating springtime but the festival was outlawed and deemed unchristian in the 5th century.
Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentine's Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. In fact it started with very dark beginnings The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men both named Valentine on February 14th.
Legend says that Valentine was imprisoned and cured the daughter of his judge from blindness. Then before his execution he signed a letter to the girl, your valentine.
It wasn't until the 14th century when things changed and it became associated with love, following in the 18th century known as the day that lovers expressed their love for each other.
Roses are Red...©MDHarding
Modern Valentine's Day
We associate the red heart as a symbol and expression of love and used worldwide on Valentine's Day. Did you know the heart has been said to have been dated to the early 13th century? Though it wasn't until the 16th century that it became popular in Europe.
With Love This Valentine's Day ©MDHarding
Ancient Love symbols
The oldest love symbol is the Claddagh Ring made over 400 years ago in a small Irish Village named Claddagh.
Love Spoon
One of my favourite love symbols is the Love Spoon from Wales. It was first traditionally created by young men, to give as tokens of their love. Each one would be hand carved with symbols including dragons, Celtic knot and bells. Each with there own meaning, the Dragon being a symbol of protection and is symbolic to Wales. What is your favourite love symbol?
How to carve a Love spoon @The Love Spoon Workshop
Cupid or Eros
Did you know Cupid/Eros means desire in Greek? We have our very own statue of Eros in Glasgow, Scotland. I'm not quite sure why? If anyone knows the answer, please do get in touch. Thanks.
Eros in Glasgow ©MDHarding
You Rock
As the saying goes "love can sometimes be blind" or is it "are you blinded by love"?
Don't forget to give yourself some loving this valentines day.
My friend Faith Canter has published a great book to help you with Loving Yourself Inside & Out. It has recipe's, good advice and much more!
"Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world" - Lucille Ball
Thank you for reading. As always, you can email any comments/questions to enquiries@MDHardingTravelPhotography.com
Lots of Love for this coming Valentine's Day x