Legend tells us that St. Valentine was a priest who served in third century Rome. Roman Emperor Caludius II wanted to maintain a great army, and decided that more men would be willing to join, fight and die for Rome if they did not have to worry about leaving wives and children behind - so he outlawed marriage. Valentine defied the Emperor by performing marriages in secret, thus bringing young couples in love together.
When his traitorous actions were discovered, he was imprisoned, and eventually put to death. He was subsequently declared a Saint by the Catholic church.
It is thought that while in prison, Valentine began the tradition of sending "valentine's". According to one legend, Valentine fell in love with a young woman, who may have been the daughter of his jailer, who visited him during his imprisonment. He wrote his new beloved a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine", an expression commonly used in Valentine's greeting today.
Another legend holds that he was so popular with children, that they passed cards to him through the bars of his cell, and continued to leave notes even after his death.
Pope Gelasius declared February 14th Saint Valentine's Day around 498 A. D.
Valentine's Day Traditions-
Valentine's Day cards have been exchanged in the United States since the early 1700's. The tradition of exchanging heart shaped gifts symbolizes the giving of one's whole heart and emotions to the one they love.
The red rose, a year round symbol of love, is often given on Valentine's day. The International Cut Flower Growers Association estimates that 100 million roses will be sold for Valentine's Day this year, generally going for between $60-$65 per dozen.
The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" takes its origin from the Middle ages when young men and women would draw names from a wooden bowl to discover the identity of their valentine. They would were the name they chose on their sleeve for a week.
It is common for many bird breeders to use Valentine's Day as the beginning of the annual breeding season. On February 14th, male and female birds are brought back together after months of separation.
Valentine's Day is also celebrated in Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and France.
So. . .
This year, instead of giving simply a box of chocolates or dozen roses, why not write a poem to your love? It will most definitely last longer, and is guaranteed to be cherished. . . as long as you don't begin with "Roses are. . . ".
