The History of Saint Vale
ntine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches, do you ever think about why we celebrate this day? The history of Valentine’s Day?
As I began my research, what I did learn, is that no one really knows for sure! I learned that there was a man referred to as
Saint Valentine, and that this day was in fact named after him. The story or history of this patron Saint, however, is shrouded in mystery.
We do know, that February has long been celebrated as “the month of LoVe”. The oldest known, written Valentine, still in existence today,
was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. Although the truth behind the Valentine legend is murky, all the stories
are consistent with respect to his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly romantic figure.
Americans began exchanging hand-written Valentine cards as early at the 1700′s. Today according to the Greeting Card Association, as
many as 1 billion cards are sold each year for this special day. This makes it the 2nd largest “card sending holiday” of the year, with Christmas
being number 1. What I found to be even more interesting, is that 85% of all Valentine Cards are purchased by women.
What’s that all about? It all began with a man, a romantic man who decided that sending a love poem would be a wonderful way to express
his love to the women of his dreams. Now it’s mostly women who are sending these messages of love. Things that make you say “hmmmm”
I’d love to know why you think, today, more women send romantic cards than men? What’s that all about?
No matter what you think about Valentine’s Day, I do hope you ensure that all those you do love, know it. Not just on Valentine’s day, but EVERY day.
ps…Dear Valentine – I really like chocolates
14. February 2012 at 10:21 am
That is interesting history on Valentines Day. I can see how the 85% of women sending the cards now is because most of us women are the romantic ones. Also, we send them to our kids and other family members.
14. February 2012 at 2:29 pm
good point Susan…..of course we would be the main buyer of the cards for our kids…..
Micki Lessard recently posted..the history of Valentine’s day
14. February 2012 at 11:42 am
I’d like to think I’m a hopeless romantic at times, woman love romance I think and every time men come into Moio’s for a birthday cake or Valentine’s day, I always remind them it’s all about the card and tell them Hallmark is across the street. So Saint Valentine had the right idea I think expressing his heartfelt words on paper.I have a weakness for chocolate as well,but the card says it all.
14. February 2012 at 2:31 pm
Hey Michelle, yes we DO love the romance…St Valentine had that figured out a looooong time ago…..good job reminding those men about taking the extra step to who their LOOOVVEEE
Micki Lessard recently posted..the history of Valentine’s day
14. February 2012 at 1:05 pm
I love valentines day, and my man is pretty good about sweeping me off my feet! <3 I do cringe at the hiked prices of roses… so I usually tell him not to waste the money…but who doesn't love chocolate!? AND… why not surprise me with flowers (that aren't overpriced) on a random day during the year!
I think all women have high expectations for Valentines Day! It's a great way to remind us all to love the ones who are dear to us… and show them that we do!
Kimberly Turner recently posted..“Opt In” Basics
14. February 2012 at 2:32 pm
Thanks Kimberly…..and YES we do have high expectations about love…..sounds like your man’s got that all figured out…you go girl! you deserve it!!
Micki Lessard recently posted..the history of Valentine’s day
14. February 2012 at 2:52 pm
I buy chcolates for my wife on Valentines day but I end up eating most of them
14. February 2012 at 3:37 pm
Yes it is most definently that we buy cards for our kids and family members. But My man does pretty good at spoiling me on Valentines, I think he is the more romantic one but I love every minute of it lol.
14. February 2012 at 4:00 pm
you LUCKY girl!! soak it all up!!
14. February 2012 at 10:22 pm
I just like celebrations and happy people, so Valentines Day is another way to spread the love! My 3 year old had so much fun at preschool today and my hubby is taking me out to dinner. I call that a good day!!
Heather Calhoun recently posted..Understanding the Basics of using Keywords
14. February 2012 at 11:47 pm
that IS a good day Heather!! and I agree…any chance to be with family and friends works for me…..
Micki Lessard recently posted..the history of Valentine’s day