Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 6:44 pm Post subject: Valentines
oh oh Valentines Day. .. the day of love. .. well in history, not so much. Im sorry if you have heard this all before but here is a history of 'Valentines Day'
Just some reading for anyone who gets bored lol
:::::now i know there are a lot of different versions of how this day came to be, but i think reading about all of them is still pretty entertaining lol. I dont have a love in my life so i have plenty of time on my hands lol so if you are out there and dont have any love interest either in your life, hug your dog, sister, mom, dad anyone in your life and use this day as an appreciation to the ones you love in your life! ::::::
Approximately 141 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.
But how did we declare this one day out of the year to be one for lovers?
With all the cards, balloons, and chocolate being prepared for the upcoming holiday, you might be wondering if there is further meaning behind the candy conversation hearts we exchange every year.
The origins of Valentine's Day come from the patron saint of love and happy marriages—Saint Valentine.
Many stories surround Saint Valentine, but all share the common thread that he lived as a sympathetic and romantic figure.
When Valentine was serving as a priest in third century Rome, Emperor Claudius II declared that single men made better soldiers than those with wives or families and marriage was outlawed for young men in Italy.
Valentine, who saw the injustice of this law, continued to marry young lovers in secret and was later sentenced to death and jailed for his actions.
While imprisoned, he fell in love with his jailer's daughter. It is said that he made the first "valentine card" by writing her a letter before his death signed "From your Valentine."
Today, Italy carries on Valentine's real life "Romeo and Juliet" story by celebrating with tokens of love and gifts —traditions that have been adapted and become customary in the United States. In certain parts of the country, it has even become a custom to get engaged on that day.
The rituals of roses and chocolates can be found as part of Valentine's festivities in many other parts of the world as well. The British also celebrate Valentine's Day with cards and gift exchanges between loved ones.
Some families in Norfolk incorporate the character of ‘Jack the Valentine' into their holiday fun. Children are told there will be a knock on the door on Valentine's Eve and upon opening the door, a present is ready for them, but the sender is nowhere to be found. In more pranking variations of the tradition, the package is pulled away by a string as the child attempts to pick it up.
In Japan and Korea, women present gifts to their significant others on Feb. 14, but the male gives his gift on another day later in the year.
People in Denmark might send a gaekkebrev—a "joking letter"—that includes a silly rhyme in the letter, but with no signature.
Instead, the sender leaves a dot for each letter of his or her name and if the woman guesses correctly, she receives an Easter egg that spring.
During the Middle Ages, Valentine's Day was believed to be the beginning of the birds' mating season.
This added to the idea that February was the month of romance—and no matter the differences in traditions from country to country, the month of love is a notion that still remains universal.
That's okay, I'm usually not happy on Valentine's Day either. It just reminds me of how lonely I am.
But it was nice reading those Valentine's Day tidbits. It put a metaphorical smile on my face (because really smiling takes too much effort). _________________ The TGQ is the most fun section of the forums. Why does nobody post there anymore?
