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It's only the second week in January, but it's still not too early to consider what wonderful things you're going to do for that special someone on February 14^th, Saint Valentine's Day. Have you ever wondered where this Holiday came from? Well, I did, so I decided to do a little research in order to discover the origin of this much celebrated day. Although there are many opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day, there are a substantial number of scholars that say that Valentine's Day originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. Saint Valentine died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that Saint Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine".

Another account of the Valentine story says 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 honor Saint Valentine. Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love notes and Saint Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and small gifts such as flowers or candy. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is known as the person to send the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines as we know them today were introduced in the 1800's and now you can buy everything from gift baskets to singing Valentine's Day balloons. 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...and that's a little history behind Valentine's Day for those of you who always wondered why we celebrate February 14^th as Saint Valentine's Day.