Vanilla Bean Blog

Seize the VDay

So close to Valentine's Day, it may be the time to evaluate the meaning of this ancient rite of early, early spring. Next week, those in committed realtionships will feel obligated to do homage to their partners, and those not in relationships will feel left out and depressed. Sometimes those in relationships seem to enjoy making their single friends feel inferior. But, maybe those in relationships secretly feel envious of the single people in their lives.

The Pagan meaning of Valentine's Day is more about lust than love. The days grow longer and a surge of hormones affects animals, so VDay is about fertility and renewal.

More recently, VDay has been an opportunity for commercial interests to promote spending in the interest of impressing a loved one. Receiving a gift in the dead of winter helps to slough off the seasonal depression that probably affects everyone to some extent. Flowers, chocolates, lingerie, or any other gift that expresses love or reminds us of spring can raise our spirits.

However, some imaginative lovers prefer more original gifts and tokens, so I've made an effort to find some of the more unusual rites of spring in the e-marketplace.

Cinnamon hearts are a traditional VDay treat, but they don't last as long as a mug or mousepad:

Cinnamon Hearts Housewares

Some erotic wall art or a wall clock for your or your significant other's bedroom might make an appropriate token of your lurv . . .

Of course, cooking a meal for your loved one on VDay can make a big impression. Here's a recipe for a sweet treat that can be made in heart shapes:

Chocolate Mint Patties

Many people feel vulnerable on and around VDay, so don't forget the day if you're in a relationship and if you know someone who's not, try not to make him or her feel like a loser for being single, or for baking a heart-shaped meatloaf for their dog . . . ] ;@}=}

Van Bean