Think Valentine's day has always been Romantic think again...

Valentines day is nearly upon us again so what better way to get ready for it than with a few facts about its grim beginnings along with some quality fabrics and ribbons for the big day available from Malbers Fabrics.

So who started valentines day?

• Valentines day itself started life as a western christian feast day honouring one or more early saints named Saint Valentine, as far as anyone can tell and one of the most popular beliefs is that saint valentine of valentines day was one of 2 preachers named Valentine preaching in rome in the 3rd century one of these 2 was martyred on Febuary 14th 269 thus giving us the date and name for Valentines Day.

What had Valentine done wrong....

• Turns out valentine himself was a law breaker in Emperor Claudius ll eyes who had taken the decision to ban marriage so that the men of the Roman empire would be much more willing to go to war but by continuing to marry people in secret Valentine had sealed his own brutal execution as he was beaten and beheaded. After this it took sometime for it to become the romantic occasion it is now. Infact it was not until 2 centuries later in the late 5th century that Pope Gelasius l first declared that Febuary the 14th would celebrate Saint Valentine.

The valentines day we all know today....

• By the late 1700's printed cards were being used. The first commercial card was in the USA in the mid 1800's but it mostly became popular in the UK and USA in the 1840's. As the postage rates became cheaper the sending of Valentine's cards became much more popular.
• Cupid the Greek god of Love and Eros along with Hearts and Roses were mostly illustrated on the cards. It was not long until Chocolates became associated with Valentine's Day. Richard Cadbury who owned Cadburys chocolates had the idea to create a fancy heart shaped box for chocolates to give as gifts on Valentines day. With a massive amount of chocolates still being sold to this day on Valentine's Day.
• The giving of flowers on Valentine's day harks back to the 19th century when giving flowers was a message to a loved one. Floral bouquets were given as a sign of love. Red roses given in bunches of 12 is commonly associated with completeness and perfection.

Now we've got you in the valentine mood why not check out our range of Valentines fabrics featuring heart designs in 100% Cotton by Henry Glass or a cheaper alternative Polyester stretch Jersey featuring Hearts and a polycotton also featuring Hearts or if Ribbons are more your thing we have Quality Valentines Ribbons from only 30p per metre. So why not head on over to Malbers Fabrics Today to get your order in and deliverd by the 14th February ready for your valentine this valentines day.

Check out some of our Valentine Fabrics Here