We are fast approaching February 14th, the United States Day of Love. On this day there will be more chocolate sold than any other day and on this day the price of roses nearly doubles. Valentine's Day is also the second largest holiday for greeting card sales.
What is the history of Valentine's Day? Using this site as my guide I learn that there were actually three Catholic Saints named Valentine or Valentinus.
The best legend for this ancient holiday stems from a priest named Valentine that lived during the 3rd Century. The then Emperor of Rome Claudius II thought that unmarried young men made the best warriors. He outlawed marriage in his army. The priest Valentine thought this decree an unjust and continued to performed secret weddings for young lovers. When the Emperor discovered this treachery he ordered Valentine to death.
Why celebrate in February? Well, some say it was celebrated in February to celebrate either the death or burial of Valentine, which would have occurred near 270 A.D. Others say because the Catholic church was trying to "christianize" a pagan festival called Lupercalia. We may never know the true story as the true reason has been lost in all those greeting cards and chocolates that are sold each year.
May we all remember our Sweetheart this Valentine's Day and make sure she (or he) knows just how special she is. I love you Jessica!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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