Valentine's .. it's more than just another red, Hallmark day.

Valentine's Day. Who is your special someone? Have you gotten that special someone in your life a little something for the big day?  I am currently in the process of making my sweetheart his Valentine's day gift. (& let me tell you I am so very excited) but all this Valentine's Day stuff was making me interested in what Valentine's day is really all about and where it started. So i thought i would do a little research for myself.

The history of Valentine's day is somewhat of a mystery to many. When asked, "What do you think of when you here the word Valentine or Valentine's day?" I was given the answers love, red, kisses, & the hallmark card. Surprisingly I heard nothing about the St Valentine.

The Story of St Valentine and Valentines day is somewhat of  a mystery to most. We know that February has for ages, and not only in the US, but in other country around the world, been a month of romance. This romantic holiday in history contains both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. It is said that Catholic Churches are some of the only churches that still recognize at least three different saints with the names of Valentine or Valentinus, all said to be martyred. (history.com)

The most popular story (or "legend") say that Valentine was a priest, serving during the third century. Rome's Emperor Claudius II decided that single men became better soldiers than those with families and wives. Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, knowing the wrongness of this immoral act, went against the Emperor's orders and continued to perform the marriage ceremonies  in private. Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that Valentine be put to death, making him a martyr for love.

So you see Valentine's day is not just about your red Hallmark cards and kisses and hugs. It has a story behind it.