The History of Valentine's Day

(*Excerpt from History.com)
"Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
"One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
"Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
"According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France."



Halmark sure makes a killing on all the suckers out there silly enough to think a card, a box of chocolates, or a silly stuffed teddy bear are the "symbols" of one's true affection. If you want to know how much someone loves you, all you have to do is look into their eyes when they say so. All you need to know is right there in front of you.

The simple acknowledgement that yes, you are the love of their life and you mean the world to them should be enough to sate anyone's appetite for love and romance. So, why is it that so many people put such great emphasis on comparing one's love to how big your Valentine card is, how nice your dinner was, or how sweet and romantic your loved one was on this special day?

Does this mean they love you more on this one day than they do on any other? Or is it a day set aside for romance as a special "Please let me show you just how much I love you" day? How are you treated on the other 364 days of the year? If you are treated any less, does it mean they only love you one day a year? Or do they think you only need one day a year to know exactly how they feel?

Only 10% of all language is actually spoken. The other 90% is actions, body language, and gestures we all come to know intimately from our loved ones. Therin lies the true affection that is your due.

The card, chocolates, and stuffed teddy bear are also nice.

Happy Valentine's Day