People wait for Valentine's Day, celebrated on the 14th of February the world over! This is the day to express feelings of friendship and love, and it is done through flowers, candy and cards. The receiver of the gifts understands how high in esteem he/she is! It is not only adults that participate, even schoolchildren and teenagers take this day seriously! Of course, the cards that they exchange are more romantic in nature--decorated with hearts and cupid symbols! It would be nice to know how all this started, for it has obviously been named after a person, St. Valentine. In the modern world, it is connected with "romance".
Valentine was a Catholic priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century. Claudius II was the reigning Emperor of Rome at the time, and was having trouble recruiting men into his army, as they were often dispatched to far off lands, and were so separated from their wives and families. Men were reluctant, unwilling to endure this separation from their loved ones.
Frustrated and angry, the Emperor Claudius concluded that unmarried men would have nothing to lose and therefore be more willing recruits. His solution to the problem was to decree that marriage for young men be outlawed. This did not sit well with the young men, and those in love found the humble priest Valentine more than willing to perform the marriage sacraments for the ardent lovers in secret. Unfortunately, Valentine was found out and arrested by Claudius. He was thrown into prison and sentenced to death.
One of the prison guards felt sympathy for this priest. To help him while away his time, he permitted his young daughter to pay visits to Valentine. The two became close friends. Before he was taken to the gallows, Valentine gave his friend a letter with the signature, "From your Valentine". And that has become the launch pad for the modern Valentine's Day!
The Vatican eventually declared Valentine a Saint. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius I declared the date of his death in 270 A.D., February 14th, St. Valentine's Day, a day to express sentiments of love and romance, celebrating the power of the spirit over the material world.
Over time, at least by the Middle Ages, this day became very famous and Europe celebrated it with gusto! In 1415, when the Duke of Orleans (Charles) was housed in the Tower of London as a punishment, he dispatched a card to his wife on February 14th. This practice continues on every Valentine's Day all over the world.
Lovers in various parts of the world devised their own ways of expressing their feelings. Youngsters in Wales exhibited spoons that had hearts carved on them, along with keys to indicate that the recepient could now unlock the giver's heart! Europeans developed the custom of exchanging gifts and other practices. Also, names drawn from bowls were pinned on the sleeves. This indicated a public declaration of their love for their chosen valentines. Women were gifted clothing by the men who loved them. If they accepted this gift, they would get engaged to be married.
Those olden time customs have disappeared today. Other practices have taken their place. But this is the world's favorite unofficial holiday! Be it a gift of flowers, candy or cards--candlelight dinners or other celebrations, the message of love is the same. And we have St. Valentine to thank for this custom! - 15431
Valentine was a Catholic priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century. Claudius II was the reigning Emperor of Rome at the time, and was having trouble recruiting men into his army, as they were often dispatched to far off lands, and were so separated from their wives and families. Men were reluctant, unwilling to endure this separation from their loved ones.
Frustrated and angry, the Emperor Claudius concluded that unmarried men would have nothing to lose and therefore be more willing recruits. His solution to the problem was to decree that marriage for young men be outlawed. This did not sit well with the young men, and those in love found the humble priest Valentine more than willing to perform the marriage sacraments for the ardent lovers in secret. Unfortunately, Valentine was found out and arrested by Claudius. He was thrown into prison and sentenced to death.
One of the prison guards felt sympathy for this priest. To help him while away his time, he permitted his young daughter to pay visits to Valentine. The two became close friends. Before he was taken to the gallows, Valentine gave his friend a letter with the signature, "From your Valentine". And that has become the launch pad for the modern Valentine's Day!
The Vatican eventually declared Valentine a Saint. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius I declared the date of his death in 270 A.D., February 14th, St. Valentine's Day, a day to express sentiments of love and romance, celebrating the power of the spirit over the material world.
Over time, at least by the Middle Ages, this day became very famous and Europe celebrated it with gusto! In 1415, when the Duke of Orleans (Charles) was housed in the Tower of London as a punishment, he dispatched a card to his wife on February 14th. This practice continues on every Valentine's Day all over the world.
Lovers in various parts of the world devised their own ways of expressing their feelings. Youngsters in Wales exhibited spoons that had hearts carved on them, along with keys to indicate that the recepient could now unlock the giver's heart! Europeans developed the custom of exchanging gifts and other practices. Also, names drawn from bowls were pinned on the sleeves. This indicated a public declaration of their love for their chosen valentines. Women were gifted clothing by the men who loved them. If they accepted this gift, they would get engaged to be married.
Those olden time customs have disappeared today. Other practices have taken their place. But this is the world's favorite unofficial holiday! Be it a gift of flowers, candy or cards--candlelight dinners or other celebrations, the message of love is the same. And we have St. Valentine to thank for this custom! - 15431
About the Author:
Dane Masters is an accomplished niche website author. to learn more about business holiday gift ideas, please visit easy holiday gift ideas for current articles and discussions.
