Valentine's Day

History and Traditions of Valentine’s Day:
Under the reign of the emperor Claudius II of Rome lived a priest call Valentine. At this time it was forbidden for young soldiers to marry. It was believed that without wives or family commitments the soldiers could go to war without distraction and there for better at performing their duties for the army. The practise of Christianity was also prohibited. Of course, as a priest, Valentine did not share in this view. Valentine began secretly marring young couples who wished to be wed, in spite of the new laws, following the rituals of the Christian Church.

The emperor Claudius II soon learned of Valentines’ activities and gave him the option of renouncing his Christian faith and he would be forgiven or if not he would be executed for treason. Valentine refused and was thrown into prison to await his execution.

While in prison Valentine had a jailer by the name of Asterio. Asterio had a daughter,Julia who had been blind from birth. He thought it would be funny to taunt Valentine and he challenged him to teach Julia. Instead Valentine healed Julia of her blindness. Seeing this Asterio and his whole family converted to Christianity, but alas this miracle was not to safe Valentine. He was to be executed on the 14th of February. Before the execution Valentine wrote a letter to Julia and signed it “your Valentine” That was the origin of the tradition of writing messages and signing them as “your Valentine”. According to legend Julia planted an almond tree of pink flowers next to Valentines’ tomb. Today the tree of almonds is a symbol of lasting love and friendship.

Different traditions of Valentine’s Day
People around the world have different traditions on Valentine’s Day. Most give flowers, roses and chocolates to demonstrate the esteem to their loved ones and friends.
Many countries in Europe celebrate Valentine's Day in a manner that is very similar to how we celebrate in Canada and the United States. Germany and Spain are similar as they show their love to their lovers by exchanging gifts, chocolates, roses and flowers and in Austria flowers also are exchanged among lovers.

France and Britain both tend to be slightly less inclined to give treats and flowers in the celebrations of Valentine's Day. Lovers in Britain spend the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day writing sonnets and verses for their loved ones. In France it is traditional for a "cartes d' amities" to be created for your loved one. This is an elegant card pronouncing your love for the recipient of the card.