March 14th, the vacation of Love! Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Who's this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The annals of Valentine's -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. St. Valentine's, once we know it to-day, includes vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman history. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints called Valentine or Valentinus, all whom were martyred - none of whom were related to roses OR chocolate. Browse this web site intangible to compare how to see this belief.

Most scholars believe that the St. Valentine of the break was a priest who served through the next century in Rome. During this time period, around 270 A.D., emperor Claudius l-l forbidden marriages for teenage boys, claiming that bachelor made better soldiers. Valentine continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies but was ultimately apprehended by the Romans and ordered by Claudius to be put to death. But his bold advantage of the bonds of love might have gained a significant place to him in history.

Yet another legend has it that Valentine, caught by Claudius; fell deeply in love with the daughter of his jailer who visited him throughout confinement. Before he was executed, he presumably sent her a letter signed 'from your Valentine' an expression that's still used to-day. We're able to say the initial Valentines Day this marked.

Possibly the most plausible story surrounding St. Valentine and his day is one not concentrated on Eros( passionate love) but on agape (Christian love ): he was martyred for refusing to renounce his faith. Eventually, his love for his god could have gone down in history.

Our final possibility for the roots our our holiday: Maybe it's that we enjoy Valentines Day on the 14th because this is the time that St. Valentine died. Nevertheless, some think that the celebration of Valentines Day was an attempt by the Church to civilize the celebration of the pagan Lupercalia event - held on the 15th of February. Lupercalia was a fertility festival focused on Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, in addition to to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. Pope Gelasius announced March 1-4 St. Valentine's around 498 A.D. The Lupercalia celebration was banned and deemed un-Christian. We discovered read by searching Google Books.

Valentine Greetings

The oldest known valentine surprise still in existence today was a poem published by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The introduction, published in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. According to the Greeting Card Association, approximately one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of-the year. (Approximately 2.6 million cards are sent for Christmas.) The initial industrial Valentine's greeting cards manufactured in the U.S. were developed in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as mom of the Valentine, made intricate designs with real lace, ribbons and colorful images known as 'scrap.'

And Who is this Cupid?

Another valentine star you may well be wondering about is Cupid (from Latin cupido, 'need ~'~~). In Roman mythology Cupid could be the son of Venus, goddess of love. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Eros, god of love. Cupid is frequently reported to be a mischievous child who goes around wounding both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love. The Romans thought white roses grew where in fact the tears of Venus dropped, as she mourned the loss in her beloved Adonis. Her son Cupid, while being stung by a bee, shot arrows in the flower garden; the sting of the arrows became thorns. Venus pricked her foot on a thorn, and the droplets of blood colored the roses red.

Giving Roses o-n Valentines Day

Why should you send flowers for your loved one this Valentines Holiday? The rose is the symbol of love, of magic, of hope, and of passion.perfect to allow your loved one understand how you're feeling about him/her! The rose represents ultimate beauty and perfection. It's the messenger of Romance!

Several red roses remains the common Valentine's favorite (ok, it is a toss up between roses and chocolate - but all of us knwo why chocolate is). Nevertheless, many women report which they like roses in other colors equally as much. You will find numerous colors to select from. The choices are unlimited and it is easier than ever to pick a rose that is as unique as your lover.

Whatever your Valentine's gift to offer or receive, have a great time this holiday of love - may possibly this bit of history enhance your pleasure!.