What do you have in mind for your sweet Valentine? Valentine's Day is a holiday that is traditionally celebrated on February 14th, and it is associated with romantic love and affection. People often give gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, or jewelry, to their loved ones to show their affection. However, here at Paulskiart, we do things in a very different way. We bring you products that are going to push the gifting level to another tier! Remember, Valentine’s day is not only for your spouse. It is a day to remind every person in your life that you love and care about them. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show your loved one how creative and thoughtful you can be when it comes to gift-giving. Whether it's something handmade or a unique and customized experience, there are so many creative ways to express your feelings. Handmade gifts can range from jewelry and wall art to scrapbooks, quilts, and other creative projects. No matter what you decide to do, make sure the gift is personalized and meaningful. Put thought and effort into your Valentine's Day gifts to show how much you care about your special people.
Love in African culture is often symbolized through proverbs, folktales, and traditional practices. It is very common for people to give gifts that are symbolic of their love, such as a carved wooden spoon for a couple starting a life together, or a wooden bowl for a lasting relationship. These symbols convey deep meaning and understanding of the complexities and nuances of love. One common symbol of love in African culture is the heart. In many African languages, the word for heart is also the word for love. This symbolizes the connection between love and emotions, as the heart is often seen as the seat of emotions in many cultures.
Another symbol of love in African culture is the circle. The circle represents unity and continuity, and is often used to symbolize the unbreakable bond between lovers. This is seen in the traditional practice of giving couples rings, which are circular in shape. The rings symbolize the couple's commitment to one another and the continuity of their love. Many African pieces of art have the circle symbol on them, from baskets to fabric, to engravings. The juju hat for example is an amazing valentines gift. It has a circular shape, and is white to symbolize pure love. You can also decorate their houses with circular-shaped wall baskets, especially the Makenge basket that also encompasses a circle woven on it. Creativity on another level!
The African continent is home to many different cultures and traditions, and each of them has its own unique symbols of love. For example, in the Ashanti culture of Ghana, the Adinkra symbol "Sankofa" is used to symbolize the importance of learning from the past in order to move forward in love. The spirit of Sankofa encompasses taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present to make progress in the future. This symbol is often used in wedding ceremonies and on traditional love charms. They have a very interesting symbol that consists of three concentric circles, one within the other. The symbol represents charisma, leadership and greatness.
The symbol of the elephant is also commonly used in African cultures to represent love. The elephant is seen as a strong and powerful animal, and its strength and steadfastness are often used to symbolize the strength and endurance of love. This is often seen in traditional wedding ceremonies where the couple is given an elephant figurine as a symbol of the strength of their love.
Did you also know that the elephant species are the caretakers of the wild? Usually, by God’s amazing design, these extra ordinary creatures have an incredible ability to find water underground. They use their sensitive trunks and large ears to detect moisture in the ground and then use their tusks to dig for water. This remarkable skill is an important part of elephant survival in areas with limited access to surface water. By digging for water, elephants can access a reliable source of hydration even in arid climates, creating watering holes for the fauna to survive the seasons. Just… how amazing!
Another symbol of love in African culture is the tree. The tree is often used to symbolize the growth and nourishment of love. The roots of a tree represent the foundation of love and the branches represent the growth and expansion of love over time. This symbol is often used in traditional wedding ceremonies where the couple plants a tree together as a symbol of their love and commitment to one another. The tree has been a powerful symbol of life in African culture for centuries. It is also often seen as a representation of strength, wisdom, and fertility.
Trees are also seen as a source of nourishment and shelter for the people. They are believed to be the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. That is why many traditions plant a tree for their loved one after they have transitioned to the afterlife. Love remains with them, and links them to their deceased. In African symbolism, trees represent growth, renewal, and connection with nature. They also represent a sense of community and family through their roots that reach deep into the soil. Trees have been an important part of African culture for generations and continue to be an integral part of life today.
How can you gift using this symbolism? Just keep in mind that many sculptures are made from wood from the strongest and most durable trees in Africa. Does that sound like your love? Strong and durable? You are lucky our shop has an array of wooden gifts to choose from! Let’s go shopping! The earlier the better, no?