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February has long been known as the month of romance,
and throughout our country loved ones often exchange
cards, gifts, candy and flowers as a means of expressing
their love. February 14th however, when we
celebrate the holiday known as Valentine’s Day, is when
most of these gifts and expressions of our love are
exchanged. But how did this mysterious tradition begin?
The holiday is both a Christian and ancient Roman
tradition that is indeed very mysterious. The original
Valentine's day can be traced back to the Catholic
Church which began a feast day, said to be in honor of
its patron saint named Valentinus or Valentine. But how
St. Valentine became associated with this lovers holiday
has long been a matter of debate, and there are many
legendary stories explaining the connection.
One of the most popular stories takes place during the
third century in Rome. The ruling Emperor Claudius II
had decided single men made better soldiers, and
outlawed marriage so he could build a better crop of
soldiers. A young priest by the name of Valentine defied
the decree, and continued to marry young lovers in
secret, and when Claudius discovered this he ordered
that Valentine be put to death.
Legend does credit Valentine with actually sending the
first valentine. The story claims he had fallen in love
with a young women, who had been visiting him while he
was in prison. It is alleged that he sent her a letter
which he signed “From Your Valentine”. Another story
suggests that while attempting to help Christians escape
from the deplorable Roman prisons, where they were often
tortured and beaten, he was killed.
We will never know the full truth about the Valentine
legends, although there is no doubt about his heroic and
romantic appeal. Valentine was definitely one of the
most popular saints in England and France during the
middle ages.
It wasn’t until the 19th century when British settlers
arrived that Valentine's Day was was introduced to North
America. Today, according to (Hallmark Research) 192
million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually.
This is in addition to the millions of flowers, boxes of
candy and assorted gifts exchanged by lovers on this
day. The day has come to be associated with the greeting
“Happy Valentine’s Day”
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th every
year. It gives you the opportunity to show a friend or
lover, how much you care, by giving them a gift of love
and sharing this lovely tradition with them. You can
send online flowers,
custom gift baskets,
candy, or try a
unique gift basket
which can all be ordered online at:
http://www.send-online-flowers.net
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