Treats for Valentines Day

Henrietta Balcon looks at the traditions surrounding this celebration of love

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February is associated with the month of Love. Ever since the eighth century, the Feast of Saint Valentine has been celebrated on February 14th. It probably originated as a feast day honouring martyrs who were executed on the 14th February. In medieval days it was believed the birds began to pair on 14 February which is the origin of the custom of exchanging Valentine tokens.

Traditionally Plum Shuttles were eaten on Valentine's Day which were dough buns, shaped like a weaver's shuttle made with currants and/or caraway seeds. And through later traditions, it has turned into a celebration of romance and love in many countries of the world.