Happy Valentine's Day

Today's the day. The day of hearts. St. Valentine's day. The day where lovers around the world gets mushy and cuddly with one another. Sigh. How I miss celebrating this day. But then again, not celebrating it gets me a chance to save money. No dates. No flower buying. Hehehe.. looks like I'll be celebrating Valentines at home. Here're some interesting facts about Valentine's Day:

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.

http://www.pictureframes.co.uk/pages/saint_valentine.htm

Today would also be the first anniversary of the infamous Valentine's day bombing. Local authorities are on red alert today due to some threats made by terrorists to celebrate this occassion with a blast. Sigh... people nowadays aren't really that frightened anymore. It'll take more than a bomb scare to terrorize Filipinos. Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.

Bounce!