Valentine's Day ? Where Did THAT Come From?
Just as soon as the stores put away their Christmas merchandise, out comes the Valentine's Day items ? even though Valentine's is still more than six weeks away.I don't know why, but it always takes me by surprise to see Valentine's Day merchandise so soon after Christmas.I've always wondered where Valentine's Day came from, and under those circumstances, a person could be forgiven for thinking it was invented to create more business when Christmas is over.But no, after a little research, I discovered that Valentine's is not a holiday that was "invented" by greeting card companies to sell more greeting cards or by candy companies to sell more candy or by florists to sell more roses.Valentine's Day actually started more than 1,500 years ago.According to legend, Valentine was a priest who defied the orders of the Roman emperor Claudius and continued to perform marriages. It seems that Claudius realized no young men wanted to join his army because they didn't want to leave their wives and sweethearts. When it was discovered that Valentine was still performing marriages in secret, he was sentenced to death. Valentine allegedly cured the jailer's daughter of blindness, and on the night before his execution, sent a note to her signed "from your Valentine." He reportedly died on Feb. 14, 269 A.D.In 496 A.D., February 14 was named by Pope Gelasius to honor St.
Valentine.The first Valentines are credited to Charles, Duke of Orleans, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London during the 1400s where he wrote romantic verses that he sent to his wife.A woman named Esther Howland is credited with sending the first Valentine in the United States.The United States Postal Service is credited with advancing the popularity of sending Valentines when the penny postcard was introduced in the mid 1800s. Before that, sending mail was too expensive for the average person, because at the time, the person who RECEIVED the letter paid the postage and not the person who SENT the letter. Personally, I'm thankful it's not that way today. Can you imagine paying the postage to receive your Valentines?In days gone by, Valentines were hand-painted cards decorated with lace and feathers and sequins. I don't know about anybody else, but if I were going to hand paint a Valentine and decorate it with lace and feathers and sequins, I wouldn't go to all that work for just anybody.Nowadays, however, Valentine's cards are mass produced in thousands of designs and sizes ? large ones and small ones; serious ones and silly ones; inexpensive ones and expensive ones.The variety of Valentine's cards is overwhelming and, as far as I'm concerned, rather unnecessary.
I mean, how many Valentine's cards does one person need to buy? Spouse? Parents? Siblings?
Second and third cousins? The teacher you had in fifth grade? The lady who cuts your hair? The grocery store clerk who tallied up your last purchase? The man who stopped his car so you could make it through the crosswalk without being run over? And what about the Valentine's merchandise? The candy, the posters, the teddy bears sporting a red heart that says ?Be Mine,' socks with little red hearts all over them, heart-shaped rings, necklaces and earrings, and the list goes on and on.I wonder what the real St. Valentine would think of the cards and the candy and the jewelry and whatever else?Then again, maybe the real St. Valentine would be delighted by this turn of events.After all, it's been more than 1,700 years since he died, but every Feb. 14, people are still celebrating Valentine's Day.And that puts giving Valentines into a whole new perspective, doesn't it.*******************.
Ordering Flowers
As former florists, we witnessed all too often "Order Gatherers" taking advantage of consumers. These companies even purchase ads in your local yellow pages. They buy sponsored ads in major search engines online. They create websites that lead you to believe that they are a local florist. These companies often work in a call center, far removed from the recipient of your flower gift.
These companies will process your $60.00 floral arrangement order and pass it on to a local florist at a value of $43.00 (to include delivery) You paid $60.00! It just doesn't make sense. We find these companies to be misleading and dishonest. They would never tell you that the value of your arrangement is compromised. They are happy to process your order and keep a portion of your money. Consumers deserve better.
Always make sure you are dealing directly with a REAL local florist to get the best value and better service! Here are just a few of the advantages of ordering your flowers from a...
Ordering Flowers
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AP9 Shopping Essentials Provides Gift-Giving Ideas for Father’s Day
Norwalk, CONN. (ContentDesk) May 22, 2006 -- Dad.
When you were little, he was the superhero who could do anything and everything.
As you got older, you realized he wasnt superhuman -- just a super guy in ordinary clothes who managed to do things like no one else.
He taught you the value of a dollar, how to drive, use power tools, work hard, play hard -- but most of all, he gave you his time and love as often as he could.
AP9 ShoppingEssentials, a shopping membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, recognizes Fathers Day by offering members great discounts on gift ideas for the dad, father-in-law, grandfather or whoever else you want to honor this June 18th.From the never-ending list of embarrassing moments to the quiet inner strength...
AP9 Shopping Essentials Provides Gift-Giving Ideas for Father’s Day
Florists > AP9 Shopping Essentials Provides Gift-Giving Ideas for Father’s Day
The Magic of Flowers
Flowers are natural gifts that beautify our environment. Whether used in an arrangement to grace the kitchen table or placed in a vase by the bedside, flowers provide a sense of invitation and welcome to guests and offer the sweet fragrances of springtime in the process. The gift of flowers can brighten anyone's day and bring an abundance of happiness to those who receive them.Flowers are MagicThe gift of a single flower is often a reflection of a romantic intention or some other form of feelings that are being expressed to another. Such an offering can bring magic to the moment, if received by a special someone. More than simply offering a pleasant experience to the senses, flowers can bring an acute sense of pleasure to the heart of the recipient.According to previous studies, a floral aroma can have an impact on human emotions, in contrast to unpleasant odors, which can cause irritability and a sense of discontent.
The very color of a flower may have a...
The Magic of Flowers
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Mother's Day Flowers
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th! Whether she lives next door or across the country, Send Mom a beautiful Fresh Flower Arrangement to celebrate her "Special Day!" Your local florist can design and deliver the perfect gift to Mom this year. A Vase or Basket of Mom's Favorite flowers will be a welcome surprise. Lilies, Roses and Orchids are especially popular for Mother's Day. With Spring in full swing, Tulips and Daisies are abundant as well. Ask your local florist for creative suggestions based on your Mom's favorite floral variety and/or colors.
You may also find that they have some unique/specialty vases or containers available to showcase Mom's blooms!A Green or Blooming Plant can be delivered with your "Happy Mother's Day" message. A decorative bow can be added for that special touch. Fresh Cut Flowers can also be added to a planted gift for an extra splash of color. A Floral Centerpiece can be created just for "Mom" to highlight her table of homecooked meals she is so famous...
Mother's Day Flowers
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Valentine's Day ? Where Did THAT Come From? loans Florists
Valentine's Day ? Where Did THAT Come From? puppy training Florists