Happy Valentine's DayPhoto by riptheskull (Flickr)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
We hope everyone is feeling the love this Valentine’s Day. Below is a bit of Valentine’s history:
Valentine’s Day has existed in one form or another since approximately 200 A.D. The origins of this holiday are cloudy at best, but many believe that the holiday has roots in the Roman Empire during the rule of Emperor Claudius. The emperor banned all marriages; but one priest, Valentine, disregarded the emperor’s decree and married young men and women in secret. Valentine was later discovered by Claudius and imprisoned until his death on February 14, 270 A.D.
Valentine cards did not become popular until the 18th century. Victorian Valentine cards were typically decorated papers with images of angelic children, gardens, happy couples, and Cupid (also referred to as Eros in Roman mythology). Candy and flowers have also become a Valentine’s Day standard.
Valentine’s Day has evolved into an astonishing $16 billion industry!
However you choose to celebrate, we hope everyone enjoys the day!