Valentine’s Day in Maine

History of St. Valentine & Valentines

It is believed that over one billion valentine cards are sent annually. How did this feast day celebrating a martyred Catholic saint become the holiday celebrating love and lovers?

Originally, February 15th was a Roman pagan holiday. It was known as Lupercalia and celebrated Faunus (the Roman god of agriculture), the beginning of spring, fertility, and the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. On this day unmarried women’s names were put into a pot. Unmarried men would choose a name and the pair would become romantic couples for the year. These matches often ended in marriage. If you’re thinking about spending Valentine’s Day in Maine follow the links below. Ask us about visiting Maine or share your Maine comments. To feature your business in Maine’s Internet Magazine, contact us.

Maine For Valentine’s Day

Maine Diner, 2265 Post Road (US Route 1),Wells, ME 04090 | 207-646-4441
World Famous Food Like Grandma Used To Make. Featured on "The Today Show", Phantom Gourmet, Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and others. Maine blueberry pancakes, pies, lunch and dinner specials and more. Try Maine Diner's famous Lobster Pie, Seafood Chowder, Codfish Cakes. Breakfast anytime. Remember the Maine Gift Shoppe, Maine Products. Eat-In or Take-Out. View menus online.
Maine Diner - Wells, Maine

Beachmere Inn, 62 Beachmere Place, Ogunquit, ME 03907 | 207-646-2021
Ocean front accommodations in the heart of Ogunquit on the Marginal Way with breathtaking ocean views. Luxury suites and unique rooms, fireplaces, kitchenettes, private balconies or patios. Enjoy an on-site spa, exercise room and hot tub. Reception rooms for weddings, meetings and events. Beachmere Inn is a leader in guest services, event coordination and hospitality. A stunning location perfect for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and even bachelor - bachelorette weekend getaways. Open year round. Walk to everything in town or enjoy drinks from our ocean view Blue Bistro.
Visit Beachmere Inn - Ogunquit ME

When Pigs Fly Pizzeria, 460 U.S. Route 1 Kittery, Maine 03904 | Restaurant: 207-438-7036 Bread Store: 207-439-3114
Enjoy our large selection of wood-fired pizzas, appetizer plates, craft beers and draft wines. The pizzas are Neapolitan style, handcrafted from all natural ingredients. Our wood-fired ovens give the crust a chewy, smoky flavor. All ingredients are the freshest including mozzarella, which is made fresh daily. This location is also home to the When Pigs Fly Company Store, which offers all of the classic and artisan breads, and other products available from When Pigs Fly.
Visit When Pigs Fly Pizzeria - Kittery, ME

Warren's Lobster House, 11 Water Street / U.S. Route 1, Kittery, Maine 03904 | 207-439-1630
Warren's is a "destination restaurant" known far and wide. All entrees on our extensive menu include the "Seacoast�s Finest Salad Bar" featuring over sixty items. Warren's offers the area�s largest selection of lobster entrees along with great seafood, steak and chicken specialties served in a comfortable and casual family atmosphere. Free valet parking service is provided "in season".
Visit Warren's Lobster House - Kittery, ME

Roberto's, 200 Shore Road, Ogunquit, Maine 03907 | 207-646-8130
Roberto's is committed to making every dish memorable and that feeds not only the body, but feeds the spirit as well. Delicious hardy portions that are truly crave worthy. An extensive menu of all your favorite Italian dishes cooked authentically to give you that real taste of Italy.
Visit Roberto's - Ogunquit, ME

Fisherman's Catch Restaurant, 134 Harbor Road, Wells, ME 04090 | 207.646.8780
Fisherman's Catch Restaurant has been serving fresh Maine seafood, off the beaten path, for more than 35 years. We truly appreciate the locals making our little rustic spot in Wells Harbor their destination. Off the Beaten Path, Keeping It Rustic Since 1982. Lunch and Dinner - May to Mid October. Dine Out, Dine In. A Maine Summertime Classic.
Visit Fisherman's Catch Restaurant - Wells, ME

Jonathan's OGT, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, Maine 03907 | 207-646-4777
Serving upscale New England cuisine, Jonathan's Ogunquit, caters to those diners looking for fresh seafood, classic European dishes, grilled steaks and more. Diners prefer Jonathan's for a romantic date night, to celebrate a special birthday or enjoy an evening of farm to table gastronomy before a show. Jonathan's offers dining, events, and concerts. Featuring local food products wherever possible and focuses on serving fresh, New England products. Jonathan's slogan has always been to #eatwell.
Visit Jonathan's OGT - Ogunquit, ME

Loco Coco's Tacos, 36 Walker Street, Kittery, ME 03904 | 207-438-9322
Creative, unique, and freshly made Mexican food housed in a restored building, a relaxed dining experience that offers something different to patrons and ensures you enjoy a memorable food experience every time. Mexican, Southwestern Cuisine, Special Diets, Vegetarian, Vegan / Gluten free options. Lunch, Dinner, Dine-In or Take-out, Catering.
Visit Loco Coco's Tacos - Kittery, ME

When Christianity took over, this holiday was altered. The Church instituted the feast day of Saint Valentine who was martyred on February 14th. Saint Valentine was already considered the patron saint of betrothed couple, greetings, happy marriages, lovers, and young people, so the tradition from the pagan custom transferred in. Valentine’s Day became known as the day for young men to gain their chosen gal’s affection.

Around this same time it was believed in England and France that birds began to choose their mates around the middle of February. This helped lead to the romanticizing of Valentine’s Day. Superstition says that the bird you watch on Valentine’s Day will hint at the man you will marry. If you see a squirrel, it means you’ll marry a cheapskate. Seeing a goldfinch means you will marry someone wealthy. Seeing a robin means you will marry a crime fighter. And if you see a flock of doves, that means your marriage will be peaceful and happy.

The tradition of giving cards on Valentine’s Day has been around since the Middle Ages. It is said Valentine sent his love a letter from prison and that is what started the tradition. Or maybe it began from the letters children gave to the saint. Either way, the tradition was popularized in the 17th century with handwritten notes and tokens of affection being exchanged on Valentine’s Day. This tradition became even more popular at the end of the 18th century when the printing press allowed cards to be mass-produced.

Another tradition that got its start in the middle ages was giving roses. The Greeks and Romans believed Eros (Greek, the son of Aphrodite) or Cupid (Roman, the son of Venus) was bringing sweet nectar to the gods on Olympus when he dropped some of the nectar on the ground. Out of the spilled drink grew a rose. Because Eros/Cupid is the god of love, the rose became considered the flower of love. As such, it became the signature gift of Valentine’s Day.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries including America, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, and Denmark. The holiday is no longer restricted to couples but is seen as a day to honor anyone special.

-Tabitha Fitzgerald for MELiving.com

Read about Saint Valentine and more information about the Holiday of Love.

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