According to Wikipedia
In Portugal, the holiday is known as “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day / Day of the Enamoured). As elsewhere, couples exchange gifts, but in some regions, women give a lenço de namorados (“lovers’ handkerchief”), which is usually embroidered with love motifs.[180]
I love the idea of a ‘lovers’ hankerchief’. Something simple. Not an extravagant expression of love.
According to AI: Quote
“Valentine’s Day is a celebration observed on February 14th each year. It is a day when people express their affection and love for one another, often by sending cards, flowers, or gifts to their loved ones. Many people also take the opportunity to spend quality time with their significant others and show appreciation for their relationships. This day is named after Saint Valentine and is commonly associated with romantic love, but it is also a time for expressing love and appreciation for friends and family.”
I don’t agree with AI’s interpretation of expressing love and appreciation for friends and family. We have Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Grandparents’ Day. Valentine’s Day is for lovers – your significant other or (in my younger days) sending an anonymous card to someone you fancy to leave them guessing …
I know on Valentine’s Day we are encouraged to go somewhere fancy and pay through the nose for a special Valentine’s dinner, which is, to say, a special menu. Tissue hearts decorate the table, a single rose, a heart helium balloon (if you’re lucky) and a glass of Proooosecco for the ladies, but seriously? How many people still do this?
That’s after a fortune already spent on cards and flowers. Has Valentine’s Day become too commercialised, and is one big con?
Maybe couples do need a reminder to celebrate their relationship. What are your thoughts?
How did you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Piglet in Portugal 
Hand made cards and texts with happy photos were our take on the holiday. Amount spent: $.01
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the cards were made with love….perfect
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alas, we have become old and practical and for us Valentine’s Day goes by without a fuss. But I think it’s grand if people want to celebrate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, that is true. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am the most romantic gal in this big, wide world but do not like to be told when my feelings should emerge . . . and that together with the rest of the world! To each their own – our 60-year-old Prime Minister got engaged to his partner yesterday, but for me Valentine’s is simply a day to forget! But since money really does make the world go round an awful lot in business no doubt cannot wait for the day to arrive !!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, money does make the world go round and Valentine’s Day is just another excuse to spam my email box with valentine discounts. It’s my hubby’s brithday on Valentine’s day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person