Valentine's Day's history remains a bit of a mystery. The roots of Valentine's Day are tangled between the ideas of three main stories. The first is based on a Roman Catholic cleric named St. Valentine. However, the church recognizes three saints with this name, making historians unsure of which one to credit. All three of these saints lived during the same time period, and all were martyred. The death of all three on Feb. 14 sets the date for this holiday.
Other folklore states that Valentine's Day began as the pagan festival, Lupercalia. It was celebrated to bring fertility and luck to the coming year. Observed on Feb. 14 and 15, the event is a logical explanation for the modern Valentine's Day. The name is said to have come about as a result of the day's Christianization.
A final theory follows the belief that birds begin mating in the middle of February. The day was further popularized by the incorporation of birds into many early French and English poems.
Once word got out that lovers were making a holiday of Feb. 14, people all over the world began sending cards to one another to express their affections. The first one documented was sent from Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife, after his imprisonment following the Battle of Agincourt. Another famous tale returns to the idea of St. Valentine in Rome, who sent a letter to his sweetheart on the day of his execution. His signature of "From your Valentine" accounts for the frequent closing on love notes of today.
Subtle gestures such as the cards of yesterday have slowly developed into the over-exaggerated expressions of love that are seen today. Couples have come to demonstrate their feelings for one another by purchasing gifts such as flowers, cards, candies and more. For those who lack a date however, the evening becomes a source of resentment.
It's easy to understand why some singles frown upon it as a waste of time, seeing no purpose in the special devotion of a day to a subject that can be brought up at any time. Others say that it causes those without a date to feel less important, and as though they are failures for not having someone to call "darling."
Valentine's Day is obviously a blast for those who have a special person to spend it with, but should not bring about bitter feelings for those who don't. It's a day everyone can take pleasure in as an opportunity to remind friends and family alike that they are loved.
Simply because love within families isn't romantic does not mean it shouldn't be celebrated. The relationship between parent and child is special, and the bond between siblings is also unique and deserves acknowledgement. Valentine's Day reminders are fun, and give people an excuse to be corny, even if it's just telling mom "I love you" with a rose and a box of chocolates.
Even in schools, children exchange cards and candy in the attempt to spread joy. Any kid will relish the chance to take a break from class in order to share shiny pieces of paper decorated with hearts and messages. It also spreads an idea of peace among students.
Valentine's Day spreads a feeling of warmth and caring and, at the very least, is an excuse to give your friends some chocolate. Whatever it is, have fun with it, and don't forget the bow.
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