Valentine's Day 2014

Wishing all of you an early great Valentine's Day, may you find or renew the love in your life. The roots of Valentine's Day goes back to ancient times, when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia, and was celebrated even then on February 14th.

The rise of Christianity in Europe saw many pagan holidays renamed for and dedicated to the early Christian martyrs. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day. He proclaimed February 14 to be the feast day in honor of Saint Valentine, a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century. It is this St. Valentine whom the modern Valentine's Day honors.

It was during the 14th century that St. Valentine's Day became definitively associated with love. By the 18th century, gift-giving and exchanging hand-made cards on Valentine's Day had become common in England. Hand-made valentine cards made of lace, ribbons, and featuring cupids and hearts began to be created on this day and handed over to the man or woman one loved. This tradition eventually spread to the American colonies.

The traditions of Valentine's Day are broad and many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts. Chocolates and jewelry are the big hits of this holiday as is romantic dinners. It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for kids and family. Many a couple become engaged or wed on this day. For others it is a day to fall in love.

Make this Valentine's Day a special day for the loved ones in your life. So surprise the kids with a special gift. Plan a special dinner or even a cruise to the Bahamas fot that significant other in your life. The possibilities should be endless when it comes to showing those in your life the love you have in your heart for them.

Keep Dancin’ Larry B