Valentine's Day

There are various stories out there about the origin of Valentine’s Day.  Some call it a ‘made-up’ day and want nothing to do with it.  Some think it’s silly.  Some roll their eyes.  Others go all out – candy, flowers, cards, hearts, you name it! 

 I like this story about its origin:

In 270 AD the emperor of Rome outlawed marriage.  Married men did not make good soldiers so the emperor reasoned that by outlawing marriage he would have more and better soldiers, men who were not reluctant to leave home and family in times of war.  He also outlawed Christianity.

Saint Valentine, a Catholic bishop, did not agree with the emperor.  He was a Christian and believed God had ordained marriage, so he performed marriages secretly.  He was discovered and imprisoned for disobeying the emperor.  While in prison, the jailor’s daughter brought him his meals and befriended him.  Valentine soon fell in love with the jailor’s daughter.

The emperor sentenced St. Valentine to death.  On the eve of his execution, St. Valentine wrote a love letter to the jailor’s daughter, signing it, ‘Your Valentine’.

Sigh.  How romantic!  True or not I like this one.  Do you have a favorite story about Valentine’s Day?  Any Valentine’s traditions?  Do you like all the hoopla or do you think it’s overdone?  Does your husband remember and get you flowers, chocolates, or a card??