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The account of historians about St. Valentine is not new to many of us. It is a
beautiful story of love, a story of hope, an inspiration, a fancy story of
affection, and a story of devotion. Saint Valentine's Day, commonly
shortened to Valentine's Day is an annual commemoration held on
February 14 celebrating love and affection. Some of the symbols that remind
us of this day include the heart, doves, flowers, chocolates, candies and the
figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines
have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century
Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II.
Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those
that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young
men in hopes of building a stronger military base. Supposedly, Valentine,
decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples
secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he
had him put to death.
Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love
with his jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first
'valentine' himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine',
words still used on cards today.