Valentines Day -- A Day To Celebrate Love

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Valentines Day - History is sketchy?

By Sharon Stajda,

Every February Valentines Day rolls around... The day is celebrated widely across the world. As a rule it is customary for loved ones to exchange Greeting cards, gift's, candy, flowers.

But how did this tradition start, where did it originate? Who is this mysterious Saint Valentine?

The actual history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery? We do the very day contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

Just who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with Valentines day?

Did you relize that the Catholic Church recognizes three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

As one legend tells it,.Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Emperor Claudiusw II was rule, and decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married, with families. He dictated , and outlawed marriage for all young men. This enabled him to build a sturdy young army of soldiers.

Priest Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, and set out to defied Claudius. He continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were found -out, Claudius ordered that Valentine be put to death...

Another stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape the harsh Roman prisons. Where it was well known not many civilians survived the beatings and torture that would come to them.

Myth also has it that Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself, while in prison.

As the story goes - Valentine was said fell in love with a young girl -- who was said to be the jailor's daughter -- She would honor him with visits during his confinement. Just before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a love letter, which he so dearly signed --- "'From your Valentine". It is said that this is where the very expression that is still in use today came from?

It is very clear that the truth behind Valentine Days can not be substantiated. I mean-- there are so many different myths surrounding the Holiday?

Legends certainly emphasize that Valentine had great appeal as a sympathetic, hero, and, most importantly, romantic gentleman. It should be no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine had become one of the most popular saints in England, and France. Soon to be renowned here in the United States.

What ever the truth, Valentines Day is a wonderful day to celebrate love, and spread joy by exchanging Greeting cards with loved ones. Candy And Flowers are nice too!

Vintage Valentine Post Cards ... 

They Make Wonderful Keepsakes... 

Cupids Arrow... 

Send Your Loved One A Vintage Post Card...it's Free! 

Send A Vintage Post Card...
Its Free...
Using our virtual greeting card system is easy! Just follow the instructions at each step along the way. Once your have completed the below steps, you will have the chance to preview your card. If you do not like your card, you may edit it and then send it, or just cancel the request. Once sent, the recipient will receive e-mail advising where to pick up your card.

New Flickr Pictures 

Vintage Valentine Card by majamom

Vintage Valentines Day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentine's Day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentine's day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentines Day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentines Day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentine's day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentine by arts enthusiast

VINTAGE VALENTINE by majamom

Vintage Valentines Day Card by majamom

Vintage Valentine's Day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentines Day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentine's day Postcard by riptheskull

Valentine 14 by knitting iris

Valentine 11 by knitting iris

Vintage Valentine's Day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentine's Day Postcard by riptheskull

Vintage Valentine's Day Postcard by riptheskull

A Few Interesting Links... 

Old Valentines And Silhouettes
"As for valentines, perhaps they have been sent ever since the early Church Fathers turned the Lupercalia into a Christian festival: but the earliest record I have been able to find is when Pepys, writing on the fourteenth of February, 1667, says, "This morning came up to my wife's bedside, I being up dressing myself, little Will Mercer to be her Valentine; and brought her name writ upon blue paper in gold letters, done by himself, very pretty; and we were both well pleased with it. But I am also this year my wife's Valentine, and it will cost me five pounds; but that I must have laid out had we not been Valentines." Please read more...
Valentine Writers
Long ago lovers, with tender care, sometimes with great taste and skill, made countless valentines. The earliest were, of course, entirely handmade. When manufactured valentines first came on the scene, the message itself was penned by the sender. "No gentleman," observed Godey's Lady's Book in 1849, "would send a valentine that he did not write." Please read on...
Vintage Post Cards And Greeting Cards--At Auction
Please check some of the wonderful vintage post cards out at Old And Sold Auction...

Why Not Give A Gift That Lasts... 

Think antique or collectable. Flowers don't last more than a week if you are lucky. Give a wonderful antique that will be enjoyed, and cherished forever...
Check out some of the wonderful dealers at Old And Sold. There is so many great gifts to be had... make this a memorable Valentines Days. A keepsake is the way to go.

Old And Sold Antique Auction 

Need a special gift?

Old And Sold Auction...
Check out Old And Solds auction pages... You will find thousands of wonderful item's to choose from. Nothing says love, like an antique or special collectable. Put some thought in this years Valentine's Day gift. Select a gift that will be cherished...

Need That Oh So Special Romantic Valentines Day Gift ? 

Nothing sets a romantic mood as does the right music...
And there is no one that can sing a song of romance as does Andrea Bocelli .
Please take time to listen to the Youtube presenting Andrea Bocelli below.

Andrea Bocelli Promo For CD Amore... 

Andrea Bocelli - Amore Album Promo

Andrea Bocelli Album promo for Amore, voiced by Dean Elliott www.deanelliott.com www.voiceman.com

Runtime: 0:29
124182 views
10 Comments:

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Andrea Bocelli's Amore CD And More... 

Andrea Bocelli - Amore

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Amor [Spanish Version]

Amazon Price: $18.98 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Romanza

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Sogno

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Andrea

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Valentines Day Gift Giving 

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French Valentine Bracelet ... Ou La La ! 

Unique Valentines Day Gift... Handmade French Bracelet 

Handmade - French Valentine Bracelet
Handmade charms and vintage purple beads on a stretchy, elastic cord.

Images on charms are from Victorian Valentine's Day cards.

What Makes You Swoon On February 14th? 

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Consider Giving a Great Romantic CD... 

Luther Vandross: Greatest Hits

Amazon Price: $8.98 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

To Love Again

Amazon Price: $19.97 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Sting - All This Time

Amazon Price: $14.97 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Love

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Pearls - on eBay 

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eBay

A cameo makes wonderful Valentines day gift ... 

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eBay

Great Stuff on Amazon 

14K Landstroms Black Hills Gold Heart Locket 21.5mm

Amazon Price: $91.04 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Personalized Gifts - Four Leaf Clover Heart Locket

Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Avon Birthstone Heart Locket Pen July - Ruby

Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Great Stuff on Amazon 

.925 Silver Fashion Art Deco Pendant w/ Diamond Chips

Amazon Price: $240.00 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

.925 Silver Fashion Art Deco Pendant w/ Diamond Chips

Amazon Price: $240.00 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Oval Sapphire and Diamond Necklace

Amazon Price: $269.97 (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Diamond Earrings .85carat White Gold

Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009) Buy Now

Hope you will take time to leave me a word or two... 

ekta1007 wrote...

Hi,

Loved your V day ideas. Knew the story,but no so much .Thanks for sharing.

My valentine's day lens is all together different although :)

~
ek
http://findsomethingnewtoday.wordpress.com/
Follow me at Twitter
And my second...

ReplyPosted February 07, 2009

Lensmaster

Keaka77

Thanks for the history on valentines day. I love V day.

comforter sets

ReplyPosted August 21, 2008

prosperity66 wrote...

I love vintage art and your lens is terrific!
5 stars!
The Prettiest Valentine's Day Ever!

ReplyPosted January 19, 2008

powercomm wrote...

valentine's day can be lovely
http://www.survivingvalentinesdayonyourown.com/

ReplyPosted January 18, 2008

fanfreluche wrote...

Love it! 5stars. If you have time check out my valentine lens: French fashion designers valentine day stamps

ReplyPosted January 17, 2008

mermadebaubles wrote...

I like the handmade bracelet. Means more when it is handmade - we always put more love into jewelry than a machine would!! <3 Great lens. Looking forward to V-day this year!!

ReplyPosted December 18, 2007

porter246 wrote...

Great lens Shar! 5*

ReplyPosted October 23, 2007

Lensmaster

With Romance Month here I so enjoyed the offerings in this lens. Beautiful Job.

peace,
Joselyn

ReplyPosted February 09, 2007

Margaret_Schaut wrote...

Really beautiful lens! You ALWAYS do fine work! Andrea makes the day, I love his voice. The cards make me wish I had someone to send one to!

ReplyPosted February 05, 2007

JenniferAkers wrote...

Great work on this lens, Shar. I love the vintage cards and stories of St. Valentine. I took your poll- I do think gifts should scream romance, but thoughtful ones are perfect. Come visit me at Perfect Valentine's Gifts for Her and Him.

ReplyPosted January 29, 2007

KCStargazer wrote...

Nice Lens Shar.
I had no idea there were 3 St. Valentines!
Welcome to the Kaleidoscope Group!
KCStargazer

ReplyPosted January 25, 2007

Heatheray wrote...

Love this lens with the history of Vday. Thanks! The vintage cards are beautiful and the suggestion of Andrea is perfect. I think that my lens called Show Her Some Love . . . is a nice complement to this one.

ReplyPosted January 23, 2007