The History of Valentine's Day

Hello, and welcome to Valentine's Day at Penney's Place for the year 2003!

To most of us, Valentine's Day is a day to shower those we love with gifts of flowers, chocolates and jewelry, among other things, but it has its roots as a pagan festival in ancient Rome which paid tribute to the god Lupercus. In an effort to bring Christianity to the festival, the Church decided to honor the patron saint of love. St. Valentine, who had been beheaded by Emperor Claudius in 270 AD was chosen. Valentine had resisted paganism, and had instead tried to convert the Emperor to Christianity. When he failed, he was imprisoned and eventually beheaded. However, while in prison he fell in love with the blind daughter of his jailor . So great was his love for her and his faith that she was miraculously healed. Before he was taken to his death, he signed a farewell message to her 'From your valentine'. The phrase has been used on St. Valentine's Day (February 14th) ever since.

Cupid, another St. Valentines Day symbol, was the son of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. People believe when Cupid aims his arrow, it will bring love to the recipient.

The first Valentine's card was sent in 1415 by Charles the Duke of Orleans to his wife, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Let's have a little fun! Here's a little puzzle just for my Valentine's Day guests!

More Valentine's Day Fun and Games!

Heart Tic-Tac-Toe     Catch Cupid!     Your Love Fortune

Send Someone Special a Virtual Kiss!

Great Valentine Adoption Sites!

Valentine Animal Adoptions by Tina Kay

My Valentine's Day 2003 Quilt     My Valentine's Day Gifts Page

Please visit these other wonderful pages in honor of Valentine's Day....

Kitty Kapers     Berkanna      ~Kathi~ - Cupid Stuck Me!     Rose

Jan Dee