Valentines Day

On February 14th sweethearts around the world, of all ages, will exchange cards, flowers, chocolates and gifts in the name of St Valentine.

Valentine’s Day originated to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr! So how did we get from beheading to betrothing on Valentine’s Day? The third-century Valentine was a bishop who lived in the province of Umbria Italy. He was known for performing Christian marriage rituals or passing notes between Christian lovers. All of these Christian rituals were punishable by death through being beheaded! Other romantic stories involved Valentine with a blind girl whom he allegedly healed.

Valentine was executed on February 14th 270. It wasn’t until more than 200 years later that 14th February was proclaimed St Valentine’s Day. The practise of sending love messages developed into sending special cards that were normally hand made by the sender.

Nowadays millions of cards are exchanged each year. Fabulous gifts or just a single red rose are sent with romantic messages, and couples spend special time having wonderful Valentine Dinners together.
Who will be your Valentine this year and how will you show them how much you love them?