Valentines Day

Today is February 14th...........Happy Valentine's Day. Here are some interesting tidbits, to place in your trivia pocket........trust me, some of this trivia can just amaze others, when you pull it out of the thin air and share..........trust me...........

Valentine's Day History

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 honour 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 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.

Valentines have done some amazing turn arounds.........some for the better and yet I am sorry, I do so love all of the wonderful Victorian valentines. All the roses, glitter, (see that glitter and glitz thing again), the mushy poems, the dramatic couple looking at each other with those dreamy love smitten eyse. Ok, ok, on to my childhood (yes it was before landing on the moon !!!) , by this time, the pre-boxed valentinese were available, but we still would make our own, iwth the dolies and red construction paper, tons of glue and if you could afford it glitter.......whoa, again the glitter.



I remember that my children (who have all visited the big 30 by now) had about the same options, the packages valentines with the various themes and I am sure some of them contained whatever the phase was at the time........balloons, color your own, etc. I just know that I hoped and prayed that the two girls didn't want the same "theme"........oh my goodness, the trauma and dramatics that took place when that happened!!!!



This year, my grandsons had tattos in their valentines.........of course I couldn't figure out how to keep them inside the little flimsy fold over valentine, that you help together with a sticker.........so we are putting them over ourselves and that has turned into a fun activity...........guess there is suppose to be a slit in the valentine somewhere........I can't find it.



I ramble, guess you realize that by now..........but through all of this, my heart still belongs to the old-fashion valentine of the Victorian age..........Love, isn't it beautiful..........