(Seychelles News Agency) - Valentine's Day -- February 14^th -- is a day of love and romance in many regions around the world, including the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean.

Valentine’s Day is the day to say I love you, give presents, go on dates and share other beautiful messages with each other.

In days gone by, people in Seychelles could pass on messages of love and longing without uttering a single world -- by using a handkerchief. That's according to a book published by the Seychelles Heritage Foundation in 2001 that looked back at a practice that existed as far back as the 1940s.

As Cupid flies around the islands, SNA presents a visual look back at non-verbal I-LUV-U's.

1. I love you!

A handkerchief rolled partially and held against your chin was the way to say I love you!

(Najoe Philoe) Photo license: CC-BY

2. My heart aches for you!

A handkerchief held against your chest, in the proximity of the heart signifies my heart aches for you!

(Najoe Philoe) Photo license: CC-BY

3. Keep your promises!

A handkerchief draped over the left eye means keep your promises!

(Najoe Philoe) Photo license: CC-BY

4. Follow me.

When a man drapes a handkerchief on one of his shoulders, he is asking a loved one to follow him.

(Najoe Philoe) Photo license: CC-BY

5. I am in love with someone else.

A handkerchief rolled over the right wrist means: I am in love with someone else.

6. My heart is yet to be taken!

Still single, fancy someone, rolling part of a handkerchief on the little finger means my heart is yet to be taken!

7. I am engaged!

I am engaged! A handkerchief rolled on the index finger is saying just that. Already taken, sorry better luck next year.