Valentine’s Day - Love Is In The Air.

Views on this annually celebrated day vary, some see it as yet another commercial day designed to make us part with our money whilst others see it as an opportunity to step back from the hectic natures of our daily lives and take the opportunity to truly cherish the ones we love. Through the years this has evolved from being purely about people we’re in a relationship with (or would like to be) to also include all those that are cherished by our hearts, even including pets. Valentine’s Day is the second most popular card sending holiday, after Christmas, with people sending around 145 million cards each year worldwide.

The Origins Of Valentine’s Day.

There is no definitive explanation for how this day came to be, multiple explanations are rooted in both Roman and Christian history. The generally accepted, organised celebration was during Lupercalia, a Pagan festival celebrated on February the 15th. Far from the modern day romantic gestures this festival centred around darker themes which involved darker themes and activities believed to increase chances of fertility. Certainly not concepts many would consider a token of love in this day and age. There are many other legends which refer to different Saint Valentines which all centre around a man and his heroic actions to protect and encourage love, such as defying a Roman Emperor to allow lovers to still marry even although it had been banned. Another known as Valentine was said to be imprisoned and fell in love with the jailor’s daughter that had visited him, writing her a love letter to show his feelings and signing it “From Your Valentine”, a phrase that has endured through the centuries and is still used on cards today. By the Middle Ages St Valentine had become one of the most popular saints in both France and England. 

Historical Grand Romantic Gestures.

Two of the greatest and most famous gestures of love and affection are the building of the Taj Mahal and the creation of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Taj Mahal took more than ten years to build and was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan for his third wife that died whilst giving birth to his fourteenth child. This lavish gesture nearly bankrupted the empire and upon his death he was also interred inside this mausoleum. Unlike the widely admired and visited structure of the Taj Mahal, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are rooted in both myth and legend as their actual whereabouts has never been ascertained and there is no mention of them in Babylonian texts but the story is a romantic one. Supposedly King Nebuchadnezzar the Second built them for his Median wife, Queen Amytis because she missed the green, lush valleys of her homeland. The gardens supposedly consisted of an ascending tiered stone structure of levels with each tier being full of trees, shrubs and vines. It certainly does take the idea of buying your loved one flowers to a new level.

Our Celebration Of Valentine’s Day Through Time.

An internationally recognised and celebrated event, the first signs of popularity for exchanging love messages on this appointed day in Britain was during the 18th century. Popular amongst all social classes it became synonymous with an opportunity to convey feelings secretly between lovers and would be lovers, in a time when public displays of affection were frowned upon, this was the perfect medium for lovers. It wasn’t until around the 19th century that cards began to replace letters in Britain due to improvements in printing technology which made this a more financially accessible option for most people. As time progressed the addition of gifts also became popular but the original card format is still the most popular celebration and receiving a mystery card from a secret admirer is still possible. Those in relationships might add the gesture of flowers, a meal out or a romantic surprise, the concept of Valentine’s Day has grown to embrace all people’s ideas of what it is to show someone you love them.

The Smell Of Love.

Valentine’s Day is perfectly timed to celebrate the nearing of Spring…rebirth, renewal and vitality are close and the senses become invigorated with hope for the Summer. There are many Aromatherapy Oils that are synonymous with romance and love. Ylang Ylang is a very popular oil, its scent can evoke synergistic sensuality, often being sprinkled on the beds of newly weds in Indonesia. Ylang Ylang combines perfectly with Lavender Oil and not only stimulates the senses but also has many beautifying properties when applied to the skin, cleansing, balancing and moisturising skin. It also has antidepressant qualities that can aid mental wellbeing. Lavender Oil has a sweet and stimulating scent, and is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. It’s connections to love and sensuality date back as far the Egyptian times when it is believed that Cleopatra used it as a tool for seduction. The health benefits of Lavender Oil are also numerous, it can aid in the balancing of the immune system, has a calming effect and can assist in the skin’s healing process. Patchouli Oil is well known to be a natural aphrodisiac, it has the ability to increase libido and sexual response in some people and was used historically to relive impotence. It can also reduce the appearance of scar tissue and relieves cracked skin.

Make Me...Aromatherapy Complexes - Blending health and romance With T.L.C.

This Valentine's Day surprise a loved one with these great presents or treat yourself to some T.L.C. Our award winning Make Me Aromatherapy range contains Aromatherapy Complexes that are expertly blended with ethically sourced Dead Sea Mineral Salt by wellness professionals, and are gentle enough to use at home or on the go. These are packed full of highly potent yet gentle and effective aromatherapy oils, including Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Lavender to bring a little love and happiness as well as a wealth of other health benefits:

Make Me…Day Dreams.

Key Active Ingredients: May Chang, Spearmint, Pimento Berry, Ylang Ylang, Organic Sunflower, Marula, Coconut, Echinacea, Lavender & Dead Sea Mineral Salt Mix.

This oil alleviates depression, nervous irritability, nervous tension, stress and mood swings whilst improving menstrual and menopausal tension

Make Me…Sweet Dreams. 

Key Active Ingredients: Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Benzoin, Chamomile Maroc, Vetivert, Lavender, Organic Grapeseed, Organic Sunflower, Jojoba, Passion Flower, Chamomile & Dead Sea Mineral Salt Mix.

Calming for those suffering from insomnia, insufficient deep sleep, anxiety, irritability and fears. Effective for aiding the stabilising of hormonal changes, mood swings and exhaustion.

Make Me…Revitalise.

Key Active Ingredients: Ylang Ylang, Rose, Organic Sunflower, Arnica, Argan, Rose & Dead Sea Mineral Salt Mix.

Perfect for calming, balancing and stimulating the skin whilst stabilising sebum production. Anti-ageing properties moisturise, hydrate, heal broken capillaries and fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Whether you’re spending this Valentine’s Day with a loved one, thinking about a loved one or using it as an opportunity to show yourself some love and pampering, enjoy!