The Portland daily press., 1882-02-13
Valentines.
Wearing the Crocus for Good Luck-Sup-
erstitions of the Dsy-Esthetic valsn-
tines-Counsels of Cupid.

Harpers Bazaar comes out with pretty and
timely article on valentines, and the customs
and superstitions of the day. The Bazaar says:
All who walk out ON st. Valentines day
should wear bunch of yellow crocus, for Il Is
st. Valentines flower, and meaning cheerful
ness" is said to ward off all evil If you chance
to meet goldfnch or yellow bird Of any kind
you are sure to be very lucky; If a biuebird, OF
love in a cottage beware; but il you meet bird
in a scarlet vest, you will follow your love to
the beat of q drum; blackbird is a clergyman
sure; and If a bunting hover above your head,
| then a sailor your lord will Re.
The first person you meet on st. Valentines
day of the opposite sex ought to be your yalen-
tine for the season, and youths who would do
graceful thing will contrive to meet their val
entines, or see that their gift is the first 10
greet her ON the 14th of February.
If you wish pleasant dreams hide some daisy
roots under your pillow; hang your shoe out OF
the window for good luck; and be sure and
speak to the housemaid first II you would have
luck in your love affairs. If your lover is lar
away, do some kindness SO that your act may
be returned to him, and bring him some unex-
pected happiness,
Boil an egg hard, take out the yolk, and fill it
with salt, and when you go to bed eat 1t with
out speaking or drinking, and you Will surely
marry before the year is out.
1t is.very lucky to find your valentine asleep
or to receive pair of gloves from him.
THE EsrHET1c VALENTINES.
are really new and odd, and win be to many
tastes very handsome. They are made OF un-
dressed calfskin, unlined, and the motto "St.
Valentine 1882" is burnt on the leather. In
one corner is raised white satin patch picture
and cords Of dark green or yellow raw silk are
attached to suspend them either from the wall
or mantle.
The valentine pad, or square plaque, has also
bit of 9stheticism about it. 1t is OF thick
creamy paper with q rough surface; band OF
rio ooIor rihhor ruua nj cua nd nirtuFaa
verses, and dates are tied on with strands OF
raw silk of corresponding or contrasting col
or to the ribbon.
If one wishes to convey any message in such
valentine it can easily be done in the fruit one
chooses. For example: the apple is the emblem
of "family bond' and 'prudence;" grapes.
''friendship;'' pears, ambition" and ''hope;"
plums, '.independence;" cherries, happy
thoughts" peaches, "love;" currants, You
please ALL; pineapple. ."You are perfect;" lem
ons "zest;" dates, ''What will you?" chest
nuts, Render me iustice;" figs, argument"
etc.
cUPID's coUNsELs.
1t is a happy day for engagements, and II
young lady is so fortunate as to receive her en-
gagement ring on st. Valentines day. all sorts
of joys are promised her. German or tea
given on that day may have "favors' OF very
pretty and not expensive rings" or "cupid's
arrows" A great deal of amusement may be
made by having the favors in pairs, letting the
ladies draw hrst, and then each gentleman
looks for his valentine in the match of his ring
or arrow. And much talent may be displayed
in the old game of Cupid" which is especial
ly suited to st. Valentines day. 1t can be play
ed by both sexes, and with clever set OF young
people can be enjoyed, and made very laugha-
Bile to all.
The mistress of the play is seated at one end
of the room; at the other end her company ar
range themselves in row. Each comes for
ward in turn, and addresses her in the charsc-
ter OF Cupid, and afterward takes station be-
hind her. Every one, as she personates Cupid,
must adapt her countenance and gestures 10
the manner to which she describes him. She
who fails to do so is to pay forfeit. Each
takes letter till the alphabet is completed.
The first girl, for example, says, Cupid comes
Affable, or Angry; B, he comes Backward
or Bouncing; q, he comes Crying; ID, ne
comes Dancing, etc., ETC.. X is omitted. A hit
tie reflection will soon show in what manners
Cupid can be performed and how much
fun he can make.