Valentine’s Day: February 14. If you forget, you’ll be reminded for the rest of the year.
According to legend, Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II by breaking the law and secretly helping countless couples tie the knot. The emperor had banned all marriages because he believed that these sorts of unions were weakening his army. It is said that Claudius found out about Valentine’s actions, and had him beaten to death.
Prior to his execution, Valentine had befriended his jailor`s daughter, to whom he left a farewell note, and signed it From Your Valentine. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius set February 14th as a day to honor St Valentine, and decreed him the Patron Saint of Lovers.
Ever since, it has been a custom for men and women to send messages and exchange gifts to their sweethearts, friends, and members of their families. Ophelia, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1603) sings:
Good morrow! `Tis St. Valentine`s Day
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your valentine!
Modern day Valentine’s messages often have romantic verses; others have humorous pictures and sayings. Many say `Be my Valentine`. Messages are often signed with xxx, with the number “x’s” corresponding to the number of letters in the sender’s name.
Flowers make the perfect gift, but please don’t buy your flowers at a petrol station at the last minute. If you have something important to say or declare, do so in style with quality flowers and a thoughtful message.
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