VALENTINE'S DAY
The History of Valentine's Day
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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.
While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
So................whether you have a spouse, significant other, etc. or not, how will you be spending Valentine's Day?
I'm taking my two favorite short people, who also happen to be the loves of my life, KB, either bowling or to see "Bolt" at the movies - their choice, and then I'll be treating them to lunch at their fave restaurant, Friendly's. I've also bought some small "I love you" gifts for the rest of my family - just little tokens, really, because I think it's way more important to show the people you love how much they mean to you EVERY day, not just on Valentine's Day!!! And I think I succeed - my family and friends know how important they are and that my life wouldn't be worth living without them!!
So, no matter if you're married, single, divorced, etc., on Saturday - and every day - tell someone you love them!!!
Hugs,
Tia
Men.....
You know the drill. Every 14th of February you get the chance to display your fondness for a significant other by showering her with gifts, flowers, dinner, shows and any other baubles that women find romantic. Every Valentines day you rack your brains for that one special, unique gift that will show your wife or girlfriend that you really do care for them more than any other. Now ladies, I'll let you in on a little secret; guys really don't enjoy this that much. Sure seeing that smile on your face when we get it right is priceless, but that smile is the result of weeks of blood, sweat and consideration. Another secret; guys feel left out. That's right, there's no special holiday for the ladies to show their appreciation for the men in their life. Men as a whole are either too proud or too embarrassed to admit it.
Which is why a new holiday has been created.
March 14th is now officially "Steak and ******* Day". Simple, effective and self explanatory, this holiday has been created so you ladies finally have a day to show your man how much you care for him.
No cards, no flowers, no special nights on the town; the name of the holiday explains it all, just a steak and a BJ. Thats it. Finally, this twin pair of Valentine's Day and Steak and ******* Day will usher in a new age of love as men everywhere try THAT much harder in February to ensure a memorable March 14th!
The word is already beginning to spread, but as with any new idea, it needs a little push to start the ball rolling. So spread the word, and help bring love and peace to this crazy world. And, of course, steak and BJ's.
Happy VD! Happy SBJ!
Me? Bad? I don't know. Hubby says we're just doing dinner. SIGH. Times are tough.
I can see myself saying times are tough when March 14th rolls around LOL
I may not get real roses, but I'll be happy with a nice picture of the flowers, like these!
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Candy -
TRUST me, and you know of what I speak if you did any dating prior to marrying Jerry - be happy with a dinner with someone you love as opposed to having a drink with someone you don't!!! I've had too, too many drink dates where I've thought, "O M G! Get me out of here!" Hell, I've even texted g/f to save me from said dates!!!! LOL!!!!!
Yeah, poor Jer on 3/14!!!! It'll give new meaning to the "Beware the Ides of March!!!"
LOL!!
Tia
"Is that a hole in the ceiling???"...."Did I say that out loud?" hahahahaha Time for the boob phone!
I have no idea what we're doing for Valentine's Day, but we have a kiddie birthday bowling party to go to in the afternoon and with having the two little girls I think we'll just do something fun with them for the evening/dinner.