Valentines Day History

Valentine was imprisoned for defying the Roman Emperor Claudius-II who had issued an edict forbidding marriage. This happened towards the end of the powerful Roman Empire.   The edict was intended to stop young men from marrying so that they could serve as soldiers to protect the empire from the encroaching Gauls, Slavs, Huns, Turks and Mongolians from Northern Europe and Asia.

According to one legend, Valentine defied the edict and continued to perform marriage ceremonies in secret. Eventually he was found out and imprisoned.  While in prison awaiting his fate he met the prison warden who had a blind daughter.  The prison warden asked Valentine to heal his daughter so through his faith he miraculously restored the girls sight.  Eventually this caused Valentine to be named a "Patron Saint"

Just before Valentine was to be executed he asked for pen and paper to write a farewell note to the girl.  He signed the note "From Your Valentine", a phrase that has endured the centuries.

Eventually the date of February 14th was set for Valentines Day and St Valentine became the patron saint for all lovers. At first the date was marked by simple handmade cards, love poems or a small gift like flowers.

Around the 1800's mass production of Valentines Day Cards started and the holiday has become ever more commercial.  Still the holiday endures and is celebrated around the globe and even school children exchange cards.

Be Creative On Valentines Day

Because of the commercialization of Valentines Day it has actually become easier for a true romantic to be creative in expressing their affection. Anybody can pull out a credit card and buy a card, flowers or special dinner but are those really creative gifts?  Don't get me wrong,  the card/flowers/dinner route can be part of your plan but to really WOW your Valentine you'll need to do better than that.

The mass produced Valentines Day cards and gifts may work for casual friends but something more creative is going to be needed for a girlfriend/boyfriend/lover/spouse.

Unique Valentine's Day Ideas

Think of a Valentines Day gift as almost a test.  What do you know about your lover?  What are their likes and dislikes?  What kind of gift will they truly appreciate?

Unfortunately, many relationships fall into ruts because of the hectic world whirling around us.  Valentines Day is your chance to put the spark back into a lagging relationship or start a new one with pizazz.

Start With Some Questions
February 14th is a Saturday.  Realize that Valentines Day gifts don't all have to be expensive.  They just have to show that you really understand and listen to your significant other.

So ask yourself these questions.  

• What Does My Valentine like to do?  Especially something that they are not able to do very often, it might include a hobby or activity.  Maybe dancing or skating.

• What is their normal routine? Work, home, kids, dinner, bed.  The truth is that we all fall into routines.  They are not necessarily bad but Valentines Day is your chance to break routines.

• What could you do that would create a break from boring routine and create a memorable occasion?  Remember that it's not about what you want to do but what your Valentine would enjoy.

To answer these questions, make sure that you pay extra attention to your Valentine during the weeks and months leading up to Valentines Day. The essence of finding a good gift is letting your partner tell you what they would like without them knowing they are telling you.

It is important to watch for hints in what they are reading or looking at in stores.  Listen carefully even more hints when they tell you about their day or what someone else did or what is annoying them.

Most of all, have a happy Valentines Day!