Love Is An Open Valentine
Valentine's Day occurs every February 14th. Across the globe, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones. But who is this Saint Valentine, and where did these traditions originate? The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend states that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, outlawing marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing this injustice, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Valentine later being discovered for his actions, Claudius ordered that he be sentenced to death. Still, others believe that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the real namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome. Other legends suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl who visited him during his confinement. Apparently, before his death, he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and a romantic figure.
Love can be expressed in several situations, whether it be merely saying it aloud, buying that special someone a gift, or putting a ring on it. The Greek language even has four major words for love; Agape, Phileo, Eros, and Stergo. As February the 14th has passed, let's discuss how Valentines Day has been implemented into woodworking or DIY crafts.
A Classic Woodworking Product
![[Instagram: @schneller.co]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6876efcdc5c700012cdbe6/1581829013781-GMMPSRUL4OMU00S8740U/lllllove.jpg)
[Instagram: @schneller.co]
Sometimes woodworking projects don't necessarily have to relate to Valentine's Day when shopping or manufacturing during the February season. It could merely be a cutting board, appetizer tray, or many other various products. Though a color, much like the one in the photo above, may add a few bonus points.
Simplicity could be the key to someone's heart.
Use this advice wisely.
2. A Love Theme
Love is in the air. Some like to correlate products and gifts to the context of the timeframe it's given. This could vary person per person, some wanting an engraving, a heart cut in matching with the product, or perhaps two matching products that represent love.
Go big or go home.
3. A Handmade Gift
Though a simple manufactured gift or a gift correlating to Valentine's Day are incredibly sweet, a high percentage of recipients prefer handcrafted gifts from their loved ones. It shows the receiver how much you care about them by putting the time and effort into something you hope they'll enjoy and use.
Price isn't always the equivalent to meaning.
4. A Church Was Built in Honor of Saint Valentine
Legend has it that after Saint Valentine's execution for his faith Pope Julius I built a church near Ponte Mole in his memory, which for a long time gave name to the gate now called Porta del Popolo, formerly, Porta Valetini. Unfortunately, this church is no longer standing.
Woodworking is a part of Saint Valentine's history.
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”
The word love and its variations are incredibly beautiful and allow us to identify another part of ourselves. Love has a rich history that can't even hide from woodworkers and the buyers. We at Schneller & Co. hoped you enjoyed this post-Valentine's Day blog. Until next Sunday!
