That's right. Saint! His church declared him a saint so I will honor him with the title. However, I know several saints who haven't formally received the designation....anyway, to Saint Valentine.
He was beheaded in AD 270 by the Roman Emperor Claudius. It seems old Claud had decided married men didn't make good soldiers. He decided to solve the problem of poor soldiers by declaring marriage illegal. Well, there were many couples who still wanted to be married with the church's blessing. They discovered Valentine was willing to take the risk and perform ceremonies. Claud heard about it and summoned the priest. He attempted to win Valentine over to paganism.
In turn, being a good priest, Valentine tried to convert Claud. He would have none of it and sentenced Valentine to be stoned and then beheaded. While in prison awaiting his death he was befriended by the jailer's daughter who was blind. Valentine fell in love with the girl and because of his great faith he was able to miraculously heal her. Before he was taken to be beheaded Valentine wrote her a love letter. It was signed, "From your Valentine". That phrase was never forgotten and is still in use today. Like that story? I do. There are other stories but I will go with that one. It is SOOOOO romantic. It became a tradition for men to give handwritten notes to their loved one, with Valentine's name on it.
The first Valentine was born out of this practice. It was sent in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife. He was in prison in the Tower of London at the time. It was NOT a Hallmark card that sang, "I Love You Truly". Giving and receiving valentines, candy, flowers, gifts, etc. has become a BIG, BIG business. It is the biggest day of the year for florists.
I saw a little box of tarts at the store full of hearts with tiny messages, just like I remembered from grade school eons ago. It was so exciting to see something that had not changed. I opened the little box and began to read: CUTE, BE MINE, KISS ME, .......daring little notes just like I remembered.... I went on: SUGAR PIE, HONEY BUN, FAX ME.....Fax me??? No! Not on my little heart tarts! So it is true. Nothing is the same.......EXCEPT LOVE. Happy St. Valentine's Day!!!!
