Valentine's Day

It is said that at the time of the Roman Empire a festival was held every February in honor of the God of Fertility. During the festivities, men would choose their mates and marry. When Claudius became Emperor, marriage was outlawed so young men could serve in the army and not worry about leaving a new wife at home.

However, many couples chose to marry regardless and went to the Catholic Bishop Valentine who married them secretly. When Claudius found out, Bishop Valentine was arrested and ordered to be put to death. While waiting in jail, the Bishop began exchanging letters with the jailer's daughter and soon fell hopelessly in love with her. On the day of his execution he wrote to his beloved and signed it "From Your Valentine"...and so it is said...

Symbols of Valentine's Day
Red Rose: Sacred to Venus, the Goddess of Love
Doves and Lovebirds: These birds mate for life. At LCRwestport, we offer a variety of gift items which are representative of Valentine's Day. Baccarat Crystal manufacturers a charming pair of connected lovebirds.
Heart: Once believe to be the center of emotion. When someone gave their heart, they believed they were truly giving all the love and emotion they possibly could.
Wearing Your Heart of Your Sleeve: Showing devotion to his love, a man would wear his lady's name on his sleeve for a week. Today, heart shaped products are given as gifts: Orrefors heart bowls and vases; Bernardaud Limoges/enameled jewelery hearts; Annie Glass glass shaped heart bowls with gold or platinum banding, clear and colors. Baccarat Crystal offers heart shaped paperweights.
Cupid The winged Cherub with a bow and arrow. Cupid, a Roman God, the symbol of passionate love, is the son of Venus. He fell in love with Psyche - a mortal. Venus, who was not pleased with this relationship tricked Psyche into looking into "a box of beauty"/ Psyche was sent into a deep, deep sleep. Cupid's powerful love was able to take the sleep from her and then he used an arrow to pierce her heart and awaken her. Baccarat Crystal's Cherub holding a heart shaped object and praying makes a charming Valentine's Day gift.