The legends of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is the one day a year that we let others know we love them by giving flowers, candy, or Valentine’s Day cards, 141 million annually to be exact. How did this day of love come to be? There are legends surrounding both Valentine’s Day and the things we give each other.

One legend about the start of Valentine’s Day tells that in the third century, in Rome, there was a priest named Valentine. The emperor, Claudius II, outlawed marriage for young men because, looking at them as potential soldiers, he thought they would be better soldiers if they were single. However, Valentine still married young lovers in secret. The emperor found out and ordered Valentine put to death.

Another legend continues the story of Valentine when he was in prison. He supposedly fell in love with his jailors daughter. She had visited him while he was incarcerated. The legend goes on that Valentine wrote the jailors daughter a letter and signed it, “From your Valentine.”

It was thought by some that the celebration of Valentine’s Day is in the middle of February to honor Valentine’s death or burial. It is also said that the Christian church decided to celebrate Valentine’s feast day in an effort to change the pagan Lupercalia festival, also celebrated at that time, to Christianity.

Around the seventeenth century, in Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popular. By the middle of the eighteenth century, lovers and friends began to exchange small tokens of affection or hand written notes. Printed cards began to replace handwritten messages by the end of the century.

In the United States, the first commercial Valentine’s Day cards were created in the 1840s by Ester A. Howland, who became known as the “Mother of the Valentine.” She made magnificent cards, elaborately created, using lace, ribbons and colorful pictures.

One of the most popular symbols of affection on Valentine’s Day are flowers. Flowers also have a legendary history. Roses are the most popular representation of love. It is believed that the Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty, Venus, looked upon it as her favorite flower. Thus it became known as the flower of love and passion. One red rose with Baby’s Breath is called a “signature rose” by florists.

Roses convey special emotions, depending on which color is given. Red roses express eternal love, white roses say “I miss you” or “You’re Heavenly.” Yellow roses convey “Let’s Be Friends” (not good if you want to let someone know you love them). Pink roses express, “I love you.” Peach roses speak of desire and excitement. Lilac roses tell that the sender has fallen in love at first sight, and Coral roses express desire. Orange roses express desire of the sender for the recipient. Dead roses, regardless of the color, convey “It’s over.”

When rose colors are combined, they speak of other emotions. Red and yellow roses mean happiness and celebrations. Red and white signify bonding and harmony. Yellow and orange roses say, “I’m passionate about you.”

Candy is sent for Valentine’s Day because it signifies the recipient is “sweet.”

So now that you know a little about Valentine’s Day legends, go out and get something special for your Valentine. For those of you who live in the Berlin/Kensington area, visit Brierley Johnson Flower Shop or Sharon Elizabeth’s Floral Design. Make Valentine’s Day your day of love.  

(Look for More Valentine's Day stories this week.)