Happy Valentine's Day

"We are adhering to life now 

with our last muscle - the heart." ~ Djuna Barnes

How did Valentine's Day become a tradition of Love?

_{Many stories abound.} 

_{Appearing in Ancient Rome, a festival called Februalia focused on spring cleansing. Ovid explained that Februare in Latin meant purification with water.} 

Excessive rainfall occurred that time of year, possibly a reason the month received its name.

The festival turned into Lupercalia arriving on February 15, to avert evil spirits, purify a city, promote health and fertility. 

Here's a story of true love.  

In 270, Emperor Claudius II prohibited marriage for young men. He said bachelors made the best soldiers. A Roman priest, Father Valentine, married young lovers in secret because he believed in love and felt the ban was unjust. 

Claudius captured St. Valentine and held him in jail. Young lovers, secretly wed by Father Valentine, brought him flowers and notes to show their gratitude. 

One twist of the story revealed that once in jail, St. Valentine fell in love with the daughter of Claudius. Before he was executed on February 14th, he sent her a letter signed, “from your Valentine.” 

By the 18th century, individuals celebrated Valentine's Day by showing love with flowers, chocolates, and greeting cards. The Hallmark tradition continues.

Valentine’s Day has turned into the most celebrated holiday on the calendar.

When you count everything you love, how long until you list yourself?