Valentine’s Day is also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, named for a Christian martyr whose name was Valentius, who lived in the late 3rd century AD and who supposedly helped couples get married, though the history is a bit murky.
Valentine’s day is on the 14th of February each year and is celebrated worldwide. People exchange cards, gifts, sweets, flowers and more. Harrogate has loads of flower shops, card shops and sweet shops.
Traditionally, this exchange will be with the person who is your sweetheart, but these days people give cards to those they love, even children seem to get them.
There is no record of any Valentine’s day celebrations prior to a poem written by Chaucer around 1375 named ‘Parliament of Foules’ where he writes “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day/Whan every foul cometh ther to chose his mate”.
There are several great restaurants in Harrogate offering Valentine’s meal deals, but be sure to book in advance! You can always cook your own or even go for one of the Harrogate supermarket meal deals?
There is even a fabulous charity event on where you can take the whole family to raise money for Orb, a charity based in Knaresborough that helps vulnerable individuals and is being hosted by Howdi Doodi! There will be food, music, games and a raffle.
Harrogate has also got several beautiful places for a romantic stroll, why not go to Valley Gardens or down by the river in Knaresborough this Valentine's Day?
Need inspiration? Why not read about some historical romantic gestures, like the Taj Mahal, click here.
Perhaps you are going to rebel against celebrating Valentine’s? For those of you who are anti-Valentine’s here are some funny cards you may enjoy.
Whatever you choose to do, Happy Valentine’s Day Harrogate!
Image courtesy of Flickr
