Valentine's Day, myths legends and of course chocolate!

Valentine’s Day conjures up images of cupids, hearts, red roses and of course chocolates, but where did it all begin?  A quick look at research (albeit Wikipedia and history.com) reveals that the history of Valentine’s Day is wrapped up in the legends of saints, medieval courtship and lilting love notes.

Valentine’s Day is no longer a day officially on the Roman Catholic church calendar as no one knows much about St Valentine.  St Valentine could be one of three patron saints who have been martyred by the church.  In Roman times legend has it that one priest continued to marry young couples after marriage was outlawed for young men because they were required for battle.

The earliest recorded Valentine’s note was sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at battle his “farewell to love” poem is in stark contrast to a book published in 1797, “The Young Mans Valentine Writer” containing verses for the man who couldn't write his own, much like the Valentine’s cards of today.

So when did chocolate become synonymous with Valentine’s Day?  Aztec Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of chocolate drink before entertaining his harem or could it be that wooing your Valentine is that much easier after they've eaten chocolate and are experiencing an increase in endorphins? 

However it really is more simple than that: chocolates are a delicious gift.  Keeping that in mind why not try one of the Valentine’s Day ideas below:

• Hold a wine and chocolate tasting evening with your loved one with passionate flavours like strawberry champagne, chilli and gooey caramel.
• Cook something chocolaty and delicious, have a look at our website for some ideas: http://www.devonportchocolates.co.nz/Chocolate-Recipes.
•  Be a romantic and pen a poem enclosing it in a delicious box of chocolates.