That's right Valentines day is on the way. Yes the day is just one more HUGE commercial for flowers and candy oh and lets not forget jewlery. In the past this day depressed me. Its just another normal day, however when you see co workers, classmates, getting flowers and candy and such delivered to them at work it sorta makes someone without a loved one depressed. Its a day where people who dont have significant others feel left out and unloved. This year that is not my problem although I feel bad for those who do not participate in this day. I want to establish and let people know how this day has come to be the history and the stories behind st valentines. So here it goes.
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 very commercialised.
The following, are some traditions that was once carried out on valentine's day.
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.
If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have.
In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.
In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favorite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"
Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. Its a shame that this day has become so commercialized. WOuld be nice for this day to go back to a simpler time where we remember our loved ones and why, and worry less about what you are going to receive from that loved one.
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