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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Question #399




Do you have a Valentine? Are you doing anything special today?

Do you think Hallmark created this holiday just to get money out of you?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

1. Yes I do
2. Yes we are
3. Yes they did
4. God Bless America and Thank God for Capitalist Holidays!

Anonymous said...

1. Most definitley.
2. we are?
3. No they did not.....

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

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.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

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. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I do! I'm in the process of making plans for tonight since "they" make him work.

I don't care either way about Hallmark, at least they give him the words I need to hear.

Anonymous said...

OH there is more, but you can read more at: http://www.history.com/minisites/valentine/viewPage?pageId=882

Anonymous said...

1.Yes...my hubby
2.Unfortunately, no. Well, nothing special "outside" of the house this evening! Horrible winter storm going on over here!It's been sleeting and snowing all night. I can't even see out of my windows! They have that designer "frosted" look! LOL
3.According to my daughter they did! LOL (But she currently does not have a boyfriend)

Thanks for the info patr! Very interesting!

Anonymous said...

I think February has been a "month of romance" because it is cold and couples snuggle for warmth. The greedy capitalists got a hold of it and blew it all out of proportion!

Long Live the Revolution!
Down with the Capitalist War Mongers
Long Live the Rights of the People!
Down with the Imperialist Capitalist War Mongers!
Long Live the Communist Party?

Oh, wait a minute! The Communist Party has been hi-jacked by the capitalists who have convinced the People that having a roof over their head,enough food to eat, and a future for their children is better than the State deciding what is best for everyone. I guess now the Communist Party is alive and well only on college and university campuses across the US.

What does this rant have to do with Valentine's Day?

Nothing!!



I am taking my sweetie out to lunch today.I already gace her a home made heart felt card. Enough is enough.

Anonymous said...

1. I do not have a Valentine
2. I plan to go to Church
3. Hallmark did not create this Holiday. The Catholic Church did so as the Feast of ST. Valentine, a martyred Catholic honered by the church whose name was Valentinus, or Valentinius. The info from 'Patr' can be found on the website Wikipedia as well.

Anonymous said...

NOT IN THE SWEETIE-PEETIE SENSE, DO
HAVE ONE SUPER DAUGHTER THO!!!!!!!!!
SOMPIN' SPECIAL---YOU BETCHA' AN
EXTRA HOUR ON "NAPTIME"!!!!!!
NO,NOT HALLMARK "GIRLS","WOMEN" ETC.

Anonymous said...

no no no and no