Be My ValentinE

The cynics will claim it's all about the commercialization..the flowers, cards, chocolates, (mmmmmm)..and gifts,(follow the money)..But for the more sentimental ...

I give you - the History Of Valentine's Day.
awwwwwwww...heh.



"One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to The History Channel

According to one 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 -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France."

Along come some who maintain that Valentine's Day isn't cuddly for everyone.
"Lots of people hate Valentine's Day. Many are single. But even people in committed relationships can have a rotten time.

For some, it's because their partner, out of carelessness, forgetfulness or something worse, doesn't come through with that romantic gift or thoughtfully planned date. Others might be going through a difficult moment in their relationship. Valentine's Day is like a huge magnifying glass hovering over all those warts and pimples."
Yahoo News

Me?..Well personally I'm a sucker for the sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure..But truth be told...I'm just in it for the chocolate..HeH.
What say YoU?