Celebrating the Love on St. Valentine's Day -

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Celebrating the Love on St. Valentine’s Day

The Legend of St. Valentine

In ancient Rome, around the time of 278 A.D., St. Valentine, a priest during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II, was executed on February 14. The Emperor decreed that young men could not marry and have families, as the he felt that it would detract from their duties and commitments as soldiers. Legend has it that St. Valentine performed many wedding ceremonies for young lovers in secret. Eventually, St. Valentine was caught, imprisoned and beheaded for these acts of love and kindness. The fact that St. Valentine was executed for love makes him a much loved, heroic and martyred romantic figure.

Just before his execution, he is said to have written a letter to his jailer’s daughter, signing it “From Your Valentine.”

Throughout the ages, Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in many ways across the globe. It’s been recorded that Valentine’s Day greetings date back to the Middle Ages, with written Valentine sentiments coming much later.

While some may look upon Valentine’s Day as a becoming somewhat of a commercial holiday, it’s important to remember the true meaning of how and why the day is remembered.

This Valentine’s Day, how are you planning to show your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, mother, father, children and other family members and friends your love?

A beautiful card? A romantic dinner? A gift of a dozen red roses or a box of candy?

Whatever you decide, here are some ideas that I hope will inspire you:

*For a very special Valentine – a great gift for a woman to receive is a locket (with slots for photos inside). That way she can wear her locket close to her heart — always. And for a man, a pocket watch, also with room for the photo.

*Poets such as John Donne, William Shakespeare, Dickinson, Gibran and Browning set hearts afire with their words. Purchase a book of love poems (or download them from the internet), and then read and share the poems with your loved one by a roaring fire.

*If you’re good at taking photos, building a book of memorable pictures of the places you’ve visited together, and the places you’d like to visit, can be made and bound on online publishing sites such as lulu.com and blurb.com.

*Create a series of special cards (the size of index cards) on nice card stock. You can purchase these types of cards at stores like JoAnn’s, Michael’s, Staples and Office Depot to name a few. Decorate the cards by writing and painting on them, even attaching photos. Come up with a series of things that you will do for your loved one and document this on each individual card. Some ideas could include: A massage after a long day at work, preparing their favorite meal, packing a picnic lunch to share on an ocean bluff, a day get-away to a spot you’ll both enjoy. Have fun and get creative!

*Surprise your partner with an unexpected weekend get-away (or even a night away) to a romantic bed and breakfast. (Minus the computers and electronics!)

*Prepare your partner’s favorite meal and share a romantic movie classic together.

Love is precious and our time on earth is limited. Remember to tell the ones you love, how much they are loved. Celebrate your love on Valentine’s Day – and better yet, every day.