St Valentine Did Not Equate Love with Consumerism
St Valent was a priest who (like Jesus) could heal people, by laying his hands on them. But when he defended the Christians at Rome (and refused to deny Christ), has was stoned and beheaded, back in the 3rd century. Not just for love, he is also the patron stain for epileptics and bee-keepers.
Some scholars believe there was more than one St Valentine, others say he had no connection to romance (this was due to Chaucer linking him with ‘courtly love traditions’ in a poem).
Valentine’s Day didn’t begin as a retail event. For a long time, it sat inside the church calendar, where saints’ days worked like signposts. They pointed people towards examples of courage and charity.
Simple ways to show your love
- Write a real letter: One page, your own words
- Cook at home: Put phones away, and talk while you eat.
- Take a proper walk: Choose a local park and go slowly.
- Do the helpful task first: The job they hate, the errand they dread
- Make something small: A playlist, a photo print, a hand-drawn card
- Offer repair: Apologise without excuses, forgive without scorekeeping.
Bigger than romance: care for community
You could visit someone who’s lonely, or ring the person who never gets calls. You could take a neighbour’s bin back in, or offer a lift, or share a meal. Some couples volunteer together, others choose a local cause and give time, not just money.
Floral Eco Friendly Anniversary Card
This eco-friendly floral card is ideal for your Valentine, or the love of your life! It’s printed on recycled card, and sent in eco-friendly packaging (no plastic).
Why choose recycled greetings cards?
Although FSC-certified card is from ‘sustainable forests’, this still means old growth trees are cut down to make way for fast-growing plantations that use pesticides and don’t give food or shelter to birds and wildlife.
Only send plantable cards to pet-free homes, as many contain toxic herbs and wildflowers. Also most companies use non-native seeds, which are not good for local birds and wildlife.
This eco-friendly valentine card is printed on recycled card, and sent in plastic-free eco-friendly packaging.
Cards for St. Valentine’s Day (on recycled paper)
Jade Fisher makes lovely unique Valentine greetings cards, all printed on recycled or waste paper, sent in recycled envelopes. After Christmas Day, more cards are sent on Valentine’s Day than any other, leading to a huge waste of trees.
Even FSC-certified cards require mono-plantations of trees covered in pesticides, and don’t support homes for wildlife. Buy cards printed on post-consumer waste paper, there are tons of them around.
Most cards bought will just end up in landfill, emitting methane gas (anything with glitter can’t be recycled. Although plastic packaging can be recycled at supermarket bag bins, it’s better not to buy it at all.
These cards are hand-painted in Wales and made in England.
More Unique Eco St. Valentine Cards
Or instead, consider these unique Valentine Cards, lovingly made in Oxfordshire and sent in plastic-free packaging. Also as a friendly octopus or sweet berry thank you card!:
The Regency Guide to Love & Romance
The Regency Guide to Romance is a beautiful little book, for anyone navigating the world of love and courtship. This charming and whimsical guide to modern dating, is inspired by Regency-era etiquette. A must for people who wished they lived in the times of Jane Austen.
If you’re looking to attract a suitor (without enduring the arduous task of swiping through dating apps), this pocket book can guide you. Perhaps you have a broken heart that needs nursing, and don’t know what to do? Or maybe someone has suddenly appeared in your Direct Messages, and you are unsure how to proceed?
The Regency era is remembered as a time of refinement and culture, and this means it’s the perfect inspiration for dealing with modern dating, and knowing when not to proceed.
In those days, no woman would allow herself to fall for someone unsuitable, she would have just enjoyed life alone. Until the right suitor came along. Or stand out as the best-dressed at the costume ball!
There’s nothing like an elegant afternoon tea, to help you forget your romantic woes. This book has perfect tips for dealing with all kinds of romantic scenarios, along with quotes from Regency-era figures like Jane Austen and Lord Byron.
Romance can be a tricky business. But now you can proceed with confidence with your Regency friends, and allow your heart to swoon on every page!
