Valentine’s Day in Lockdown

by Paul Edmunds on February 10, 2021

The History of Valentine's Day

I think we all probably hoped that COVID restrictions would have been lifted by now - but sadly it’s going to be another ‘love in lockdown’ situation. Will you be spending time with them or are they not in your household? If you’re one of those who doesn’t mind avoiding all the hearts and flowers - then this is the year for you…the perfect excuse!

But love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Here are just a few of them - and some ideas about how you can use Tavistock to help you celebrate all things lovey-dovey in style.

  1. Ever wonder why lace is associated with Valentine’s Day? Seem the word comes from a Latin word, “laques” meaning “net.” Someone tries to capture someone’s heart on Valentine’s Day. 
  1. Because blood is red and people once thought the heart was the centre of feelings, red became the colour of Valentine’s Day. 
  1. The first Valentine’s Day card dates back to 1415. It was in that year France’s Duke of Orleans send a love message to his wife while a prisoner in the Tower of London. He was captured in the Battle of Agincourt. 
  1. It is believed that Valentine’s Day began around 270 AD in ancient Rome. One of the legends of Valentine’s Day says that the Roman emperor, Claudius 11, banned marriage during war time. A priest named Valentine (some say a Bishop) continued to marry and was arrested and jailed for his “crime”.  While in prison, he sent the jailor’s daughter a note and signed it “from your Valentine.” He was eventually sentenced to death on February 14th.

  2. In 1537, King Henry VIII made February 14th, an official holiday.

  3. Back when most people couldn’t write, people often signed their name with an X. Another person would witness their “signature”. The person would then kiss their X.

  4. Have you heard the expression, “to wear your heart on your sleeve”? This saying dates back to the Middle Ages when men and women would draw a name and wear their “valentine” on their sleeve for a week.

So, need some ideas for your Valentine? Tavistock has everything you need! Here are our top five ideas for putting some local romance into the day.

Flapjackery have created an exclusive collection of Valentine's flapjack boxes. Their fruity and chocolatey flapjack selection boxes are guaranteed to be loved by everyone. No matter where you are and how you are planning to celebrate Valentine's the scrumptious flapjacks will warm your soul. Not a conventional Valentine? They also have some unique flapjacks too! 

The Dartmoor Soap Company make some really beautiful products. But a favourite of our is the Dartmoor Honey, Oats and Almond Soap. It’s perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. They have a range of gifts to suit all ages, skin types and budgets PLUS they will gift wrap and include a private note for free. 

FromLucy makes a whole lot of lovely personalised presents. Take a look at this fabulous print for any couple personalised with their names, an illustration and a small quote/extract! Each beautiful illustration is hand drawn by artist and designer Lucy Tapper. You can choose from 32 different illustrations that look most like the happy couple. She also does a print for same sex couples. 

Little Lodge Bees Little Lodge Bees is a young company in Tavistock founded from their love of bees, a curiosity for science and nature, and a passion for working with like-minded people, from local businesses, schools and charities to keep the British countryside flourishing. Their Valentine’s gift box includes a mini jar of raw honey made by bees foraging on the wild flowers of Walreddon and surrounding Devonshire moorland, a Chocolate Kiss heart made on our doorstep in the Tamar Valley and a hand written card made especially by debs_craftshack. 

Dartmoor Bakery have a unique idea for a Valentine gift. Why not click and collect one of their Valentine Baking Bag Pizzas for Two? In your bag you will find all the ingredients you need to make your pizza dough. Your baking bag also includes our home made tomato sauce along with mozzarella cheese.  You then need to choose up to six toppings to finish off your pizza. Delicious!

Alder Vineyard has this gorgeous Eat at Home Winemakers Platter. A special lockdown treat from the vines (and not just for Valentine’s Day! This winemakers platter is loaded with exquisite local charcuterie, fresh Devon cheeses & freshly baked sourdough from Little Bakehouse. Add on a bottle of award-winning wines for the perfect pairing. You could even pair it with the Cheese Sloth Plate that we are selling at InsideOut. 

A Scent-Sation is sure to impress the one you love with their beautiful hand-crafted bouquets, delivered by hand, not by post. Why not make your floral gift extra special by adding some chocolates, a cuddly teddy bear or even a helium filled balloon. 

Insideout. Yes - don’t forget about us! We’ve added a special Valentine’s Day edit onto the website with a collection of lovely gifts including the divine Lemon and Rosemary Shampoo Bar from The Dartmoor Skin Company, some Soya Wax Melts, beautiful silver earrings, cards, mugs, plates and so much more!

Mime Tavistock are doing a special Valentine’s Menu available from the 12th to the 14th February. It has everything from the Sweet Secret, to the Afternoon Valentine, or even the Sharing Valentine with mini pastries, muffins, chocolate covered strawberries and more! It’s available for collection or delivery. Call 01822 612888 to get your order in.

Don’t forget to share your choices with us on our social media pages - we’d love to know what inspired you to put the romance into your day.

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