Love is all around . . . Paeroa
This Sunday is Valentine’s Day and sweethearts are celebrating their love. Couples often indulge in all things decadent and exchange cards of love, heart shaped chocolates and gifts to show their affection or just spend the day together. Reporter Rebecca Mauger hit the streets in Paeroa to see if locals are indulging in the day of love, and what their romantic plans are.
Michael Pavletich
Valentine’s Day helps to turn your attention solely to your wife as we often take them for granted.my son and I will make her breakfast and then give her the very best we can during the day. Tony Marsh, Paeroa I generally do something for Valentine’s Day even if it’s just going out for dinner. It probably means more than ever because this is a second relationship. We’ll spend the evening together, which will be nice as we both work so hard. Audrey Ranga, Waihi I’ll be working on that day because I’m a florist. I love it though. You don’t have to do a lot for someone you love to make them feel appreciated. Some people feel Valentine’s Day is a money-making thing but most people would be happy with a cup of tea. Nigel Kearins, Paeroa I No, it’s just a day. It’s a special day for me because it’s my birthday but I never seem to get any Valentine out of it. Paul Williams, Kerepehi I always get something for my partner. We’ll probably go out for breakfast or get a car . . . I bought her a car a few years back on Valentine’s Day, she deserved it.
Fun facts:
■ Many proposals of marriage come on Valentine’s Day (or are expected!)
■ The burden usually falls on the shoulders of men to come up with something romantic for their partners. However, there is also a belief that it is the woman’s responsibility during a leap year, the traditional time that a woman could propose marriage.
■ February 14 is the second largest card giving day of the year, just after Christmas.
■ Chocolate is given because it is considered an aphrodisiac and opens people to romance.
■ Red roses were said to be the favourite flower of the Roman goddess of love and red is the colour of the heart.
■ Children and tweens often send Valentine’s cards asking their crush to “be my Valentine”.
It’s not clear how Valentine’s Day originated but there are a few theories from ancient Roman times . . .
■ A bishop named Valentine was jailed and sent letters to his sweetheart, signing them “from your Valentine”
■ Another theory was a priest named Valentine who, after he was told not to marry any more couples, went ahead and did it anyway (both were beheaded).