But, you may wonder, how did the world get so hooked on this old tradition? Why has Valentines Day become so important in maintaining relationships?

St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. Who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite of giving gifts to loved ones? The exact origin of Valentines Day is not clear. We do know that 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 source 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.

One legend proposes that Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who was probably his jailer’s daughter, who visited him during his prison confinement. 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. From that popular tradition it was easy for merchants to seize upon the “a Valentine for lovers” theme and suggest that giving gifts, if only a card, was the right thing to do. Before long there was even a special day, February 14, set aside for the custom.

The tradition has become so popular that to forget to give a card or gift to your close friend or lover on Valentines Day is almost like saying “I don’t love you anymore”. So if you value your present number one and only relationship you had best not forget to present a Valentines Day gift to your lover. A nice card may do but to be sure a Valentines Day gift is much safer.

You will find a few worthwhile Valentines Day gift ideas at Find Valentines Gift Ideas

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