The day, most lovers wait for expressing their love to their loved ones, in a lovely way is just around the corner. But what actually it is? Is it the day for friends to become lovers or a platform to express one's feelings to the other? I am bit confused because I could never dare to express my love to my ......., even on this day for the past 10 years. How could I, when I even couldn't talk more than 3 words with her.
But is this day just for the so called lovers or is it something else? Every February 14th, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But there are lot of stories doing rounds regarding the Valentine's day.
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.
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.
