Will you be my Valentine...?
Each year over £1.3 billion is spent in the UK on flowers, gifts, chocolates, and cards for Valentine’s Day. Whether it is an excuse for an extravagant date night, a day of self-care, or an opportunity to share some cocktails and celebrate ‘galantines’, most of us celebrate Valentine’s Day to some extent.
If you’re a classic romantic type, we have a five course Valentine’s dinner to be enjoyed with that special someone. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to focus on self-love, our spa packages will be the ideal experience. However, do you know the history of this romantic day?
Saint Valentine became a martyr when he was jailed and sentenced to death for his Christian beliefs. People believe that before he was jailed and whilst in prison, he illegally performed Christian marriages. This is the most believed reason for his feast day becoming associated with love. Also, legend says that days before his death he healed his jailer’s blind daughter, Julia. The story also says that he fell in love with Julia and on the evening of his execution he wrote a love note to her which was signed ‘your Valentine’. This has become a phrase commonly used to sign off love notes and Valentines cards.
Valentine’s Day was created in the 400s and celebrates more than one Saint. People began associate the day with romance many years later, and around the 1700s the day became even more popular when couples began to give gifts to those they loved.
Throughout the centuries that followed, Valentines only grew in popularity. In the modern day, just under half of people in the UK spend money on their Valentine and since the millennium more people have sent virtual valentines or celebrated in other digitalised ways.
Who is your Valentine?
At The Lowry Hotel we believe soulmates are not always found in romantic relationships. And this year we have packages to celebrate these special people in your life, should they be your best friend, mum or even your brother. Whatever their taste, we have a special self-love spa package to suit, as well as our ‘galentines’ stay. Alternatively, if you’re more of a classic romantic, our five course Valentine’s dinner may be the perfect choice.
Whoever you’re treating this Valentines, five-star luxury is always appreciated.