Every February 14, across Ghana and in other places around the world, chocolates, flowers, cards and gifts are exchanged between loved ones all in the name of Valentines Day. It is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romantic love in many regions around the world, although it is not declared a public holiday in any country. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of love but who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Valentine’s Day is a holiday that primarily celebrates romantic love, but it also acknowledges friendship and admiration. While its origins are rooted in ancient Roman festivals, the modern holiday is strongly associated with Saint Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman priest, and the legends surrounding his love and compassion.
The legend of Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius’s ban on marriages during wartime. Saint Valentine of Rome was arrested and imprisoned for wedding young Christian couples and aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted in Rome by Emperor Claudius Gothicus II, the ruler of the Roman empire. Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. However, when Saint Valentine tried to convert the Emperor, he was condemned to death. It is believed He was beaten with clubs and stones; when that failed to kill him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. According to popular legend, during his imprisonment Saint Valentine fell in love with a blind girl who happened to be the jailer’s daughter. He restored sight to the blind girl and before his execution, he wrote her a letter & signed; “Your Valentine” as a farewell.
St. Valentine gave his life so that young couples could be bonded together in holy matrimony. Although they may have killed him, they couldn’t kill his spirit. Even centuries after his death, the story of Valentine’s self-sacrificing commitment to love was legendary in Rome. Eventually, he was granted sainthood and the Catholic Church decided to create a feast in his honor. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as valentines).
Today, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder to cherish love and express appreciation for those who matter most.
Now that you know the history of St Valentine and the significance of Valentine’s day, what are you looking to get for that special person in your life? As we get closer to Valentine’s Day, one can almost feel the tension building as sweethearts try to figure out what to get their significant others. Fingers are busily tapping keyboards and smart phones, desperately searching for the perfect gift. She’s thinking what can I get him that could possibly let him know how important he is to me? I’ve got to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for him! He’s thinking what do I do, what do I do? Any guy can get her flowers and cards. What can I do to let her know I actually put some thought into a Valentine’s Day gift for her? Because what you need to be looking for is that ‘just-right Valentine’s Day gift Something unique that really commemorates your relationship with your sweetheart. Something that captures the two of you at this unique time in your relationship in a way that you will both cherish forever. Something you can enjoy for years to come, that you will always get a kick out of. Something that will take you back to that time and remind you of just how special it was then and how it continues to be special now.
Trust us at Lotus Gallery to hook you up with something unique and romantic. Want to make it even more memorable? Why not let us personalize something for you? Send us a photo of the two of you kissing, no? – okay, send a picture of him or her and get your photo on a portrait frame or a love note made in Swarovski crystals! Now you’ve got something to hang on the wall, set on a mantle, or sit on top of a desk. But what if you’re single? Don’t wallow in loneliness. Turn that day into a special self- pampering occasion. Take the opportunity to get something lovely for yourself.
The Legend of Saint Valentine
Every February 14, across Ghana and in other places around the world, chocolates, flowers, cards and gifts are exchanged between loved ones all in the name of Valentines Day. It is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romantic love in many regions around the world, although it is not declared a public holiday in any country. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of love but who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Valentine’s Day is a holiday that primarily celebrates romantic love, but it also acknowledges friendship and admiration. While its origins are rooted in ancient Roman festivals, the modern holiday is strongly associated with Saint Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman priest, and the legends surrounding his love and compassion.
The legend of Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius’s ban on marriages during wartime. Saint Valentine of Rome was arrested and imprisoned for wedding young Christian couples and aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted in Rome by Emperor Claudius Gothicus II, the ruler of the Roman empire. Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. However, when Saint Valentine tried to convert the Emperor, he was condemned to death. It is believed He was beaten with clubs and stones; when that failed to kill him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. According to popular legend, during his imprisonment Saint Valentine fell in love with a blind girl who happened to be the jailer’s daughter. He restored sight to the blind girl and before his execution, he wrote her a letter & signed; “Your Valentine” as a farewell.
St. Valentine gave his life so that young couples could be bonded together in holy matrimony. Although they may have killed him, they couldn’t kill his spirit. Even centuries after his death, the story of Valentine’s self-sacrificing commitment to love was legendary in Rome. Eventually, he was granted sainthood and the Catholic Church decided to create a feast in his honor. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as valentines).
Today, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder to cherish love and express appreciation for those who matter most.
Now that you know the history of St Valentine and the significance of Valentine’s day, what are you looking to get for that special person in your life? As we get closer to Valentine’s Day, one can almost feel the tension building as sweethearts try to figure out what to get their significant others. Fingers are busily tapping keyboards and smart phones, desperately searching for the perfect gift.
She’s thinking what can I get him that could possibly let him know how important he is to me? I’ve got to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for him! He’s thinking what do I do, what do I do? Any guy can get her flowers and cards. What can I do to let her know I actually put some thought into a Valentine’s Day gift for her? Because what you need to be looking for is that ‘just-right Valentine’s Day gift Something unique that really commemorates your relationship with your sweetheart. Something that captures the two of you at this unique time in your relationship in a way that you will both cherish forever. Something you can enjoy for years to come, that you will always get a kick out of. Something that will take you back to that time and remind you of just how special it was then and how it continues to be special now.
Trust us at Lotus Gallery to hook you up with something unique and romantic. Want to make it even more memorable? Why not let us personalize something for you? Send us a photo of the two of you kissing, no? – okay, send a picture of him or her and get your photo on a portrait frame or a love note made in Swarovski crystals! Now you’ve got something to hang on the wall, set on a mantle, or sit on top of a desk. But what if you’re single? Don’t wallow in loneliness. Turn that day into a special self- pampering occasion. Take the opportunity to get something lovely for yourself.