Jonathan & Ashley Plumb

Since I didn't celebrate V-Day this year (or didn't even think about celebrating it) I thought it would be fun to find out how V-Day came to be. Here's what I have found. Thank you www.historychannel.com

The History of Valentine's Day
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served 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 for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one 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 the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.


I just thought this was funny!
http://www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/sham.html
100 WomenCan't be Wrong

Men are painfully aware of the fact that Valentine's Day is nothing more than a Hallmark-pimped sham. Here's what 100 women think of the monstrosity.

87% Expect to get flowers.
83% Would purchase sexy lingerie for the day.
79% Expect a gift.
74% Wear sexier underwear that day.
66% Have said, "Don't get me anything," but didn't mean it.
59% Are more flirtatious on Valentine's Day.
57% Believe life is like a box of chocolates.
52% Love those lame sugar hearts with cutesy messages.
50% Have had a one-night stand because they were sadly single.
46% Think red roses are cliché.
46% Admit Valentine's Day is a cheap marketing tactic.
46% Say odds of having pity sex increase on Valentine's Day.
40% Have been a secret admirer.
37% Have spent the day crying at home alone.
18% Have been stood up on Valentine's Day.
16% Would sleep with almost anyone to avoid being alone.
15% Hate Valentine's Day.
11% Have dropped one Valentine for another.
9% Have cheated on their man on Valentine's Day.
9% Still have Valentines from elementary school
9% Have gone on a first date on Valentine's Day.
7% Have been dumped on Valentine's Day.
3% Think Valentine's Day is more important than an anniversary.