VALENTINE'S DAY /

Valentine's Day

Every February, across the World, candy, love cards ,flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.
Who are the lucky recipients of all these cards and candies?
Experts say parents are the most popular recipients of seasonal cards, receiving about one out every five. Teachers, children, wives and sweethearts are also at the top of the list. Women purchase around 85 percent of all valentines. In addition to cards, there are millions of boxes of chocolates and bouquets of roses purchased (mostly by men) for the February 14 holiday.About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.

So when did the Valentine's Day frenzy begin? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. As is true of much of history, scholars tell slightly different versions of the history of this popular holiday. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day.. more>>

So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? As for Today, I find at least Seven different legends about saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

Legends of Valentine Day :

In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Sweeping out the floor and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors ritually cleansed houses. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15,  more>>

This legend says that Valentine's Day started in ancient Rome, on February 14th, a holiday to honor Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage.  more>>

The other legend, and perhaps the best known, also began in Rome. All These rituals under the laws of Claudius were banned as the Emperor, Claudius II, was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. "Claudius the Cruel"  more>>

According other legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -  more>>

Another story tell us, as to the origins of Valentine's Day was that he was a priest who was also a physician and would cure the sick. He was also said to have tried to cure the jailers blind daughter, but, was arrested and on the day of his  more>>

Another Interesting origin is that St Valentine was the patron Saint of Epilepsy reason was that he was supposedly a sufferer and took a keen interest in those who suffered from this affliction and also that those who suffered this disease were suffering from Valentine's sickness.  more>>

So at final there Valentine's Day February 14 This story tell ,the St. Valentine is believed to have been a Roman priest who was martyred on this day around 270. How he became the patron saint of lovers remains a mystery, but one theory is that the Church  more>>