Valentines Day, Chocolate and Norse Witchcraft

Chocolate did not really become known in Europe until Europeans had come to America. In the seventeenth century, the first account of a drink made from cocoa beans was recorded. 

It was not until the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that a chocolate drink became well known and widespread in Europe. Later after the drink had come to be enjoyed and part of their diet, people began experimenting with chocolate as a desert. 

Valentines Day is named after the Norse God Vali, son of Odin.  It  falls within the "Witchcraft" season of Candlemas, Norse Pagans honor this celebration as well. It has been recorded that ancient Norse Pagans honored the "loving" event. 

If marked by love, they often wore a "Lovers knot" on Valentines Day. This symbol of two intersecting circles side by side can be either woven into clothing or fashioned with ribbon or yarn and tied to the garment. 

Love and Happiness are essential in our lives. The joy of giving and receiving special treats such as chocolate are sacred, as well as being just plain fun. 

Chocolate is now one of the most common treats given during Valentines Day as well as Candlemas. It is common for friends and lovers to offer this as a drink to honor the "love" we share. 

Recipe for Valentines Day Hot Chocolate:

4 1/2 cups Milk
4 ozs. Semisweet Chocolate
5 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 shot peppermint schnapps or whiskey 
4 to 6 sticks cinnamon for garnish

(This drink can be made without alcohol, use 1 teaspoon of peppermint flavoring instead of schnapps)  

Brightest of Blessings,
Lory