Valentine was a priest who lived during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage. Valentine realized the injustice of the decree and decided to defy Claudius by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius had Valentine inprisoned and ordered that he be put to death. According to legend, Valentine actually sent the first valentine greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who may have been his jailor's daughter who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind this legend is questionable, the story certainly emphasize his appeal as a heroic and romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Some Interesting Facts About Valentine's Day
According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)
Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women.
In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.
The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as scrap.
You can send your love one a free musical Valentine by going to http://www.ajlfreeweb.com/valentine.html
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