What Does It All Mean?

Happy Valentine's Day. Ever wonder what it all means? I did. Here is a link to the History Channel's information on Valentine's Day. Below are some excerpts that I found interesting.

"One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death."

Not too bad to get a whole day named after you for breaking the law. I wonder how Caesar would feel about this. He was a much more influential figure in history and all he got was a salad.

"According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today."

Good thing his name was catchy and sounded nice. I'd hate to have to go to Hallmark and buy a Caligula Card.

"In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors."

Today, we call this substance "Carpet Fresh"

"The priests would then sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification."

Naked supermodels would line the streets with signs that said "I'd rather go naked then wear fur, or sacrifice goats and dogs".

"Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would then each choose a name out of the urn and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage."

Back in grade school, we used to have to square dance in gym class. This was the same way we picked our partners, but our matches would end in do-si-doing. That process never ended well for me.

"The Roman 'lottery' system for romantic pairing was deemed un-Christian and outlawed."

I guess the school district never got the memo on this.

"The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt."

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I've got a new boyfriend named Bubba,
What's going on with you?

"Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois."

Dear Catherine,
Do you like Henry? Check this box for yes or this box for no.
Your friend, John

"By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged."

Now, there's even a section in the Hallmark store called "Sympathy - Sorry You Stepped in Dog Poo- To Sister, From Both"