“Clara says Darling, do u remember when we met for the first time. Harry says Of course Honey; it was on the Valentine’s Day last year”. Well, I feel really romantic after reading the conversation. Just the word valentine gives more life to that sentence. When we speak about the word valentine, the first thing which strikes me is the Valentine’s Day.
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine’s Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine”. Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800’s and now the date is much commercialized. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.
Now at present, we are in the month of February looking forward for the Valentine’s Day celebration. It has always been a special day for everyone irrespective of their age. Each one of us would have our own ways of expressing our love and care to our beloved. Love and to be loved is a pleasure which every person would cherish throughout their life.
Wishing you all a very happy valentine’s day.Hope this valentine’s day becomes very memorable for everyone.
Do post your comment of how you are planning to celebrate your valentine’s day which would be useful for others too. :-)
CC Image credit: Hamed Masoumi