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Contrary to popular belief, Valentine’s Day was not created by greeting card companies as a ploy to sell their merchandise; it was not created by large jewelry stores to entice you into exchanging your hard earned cash for heart-shaped diamond earrings; and it was not created by your local florist, or the guy on the side of the road, hawking long-stemmed roses.
I did a Google search. Valentine’s Day dates back to 269AD. Hallmark, a major purveyor of Valentine gifts, was founded by eighteen-year-old Joyce C. Hall in 1910.
You do the math!
My quest for the truth behind Valentine’s Day led me to an Internet site which proffered various opinions as to the origin of this day of hearts and flowers. While there are minor variations from one story to the next, all maintain that the priest Valentine, who died on February 14, 269 AD, had been put in jail for performing a marriage ceremony and thereby defying Emperor Claudius’ mandate that there be no more weddings. (Married men, you see, were refusing to join the army. No marriages translated in Claudius’ mind to more soldiers.) While in jail, young couples came to visit Valentine and tossed flowers at his window, demonstrating their belief in love and marriage. The day Valentine died was, coincidently, the same day that was devoted to love lotteries. It was also the same day that a young woman who had befriended Valentine read the note he had written to her. It was signed, “Love from your Valentine.”
I personally would rather hold on to this sweet story as I look ahead to February 14 rather than remain among the ranks of those who are turned off by the day’s overly commercialized and forced sentimentality.
As it is with many of our holidays lately, we tend to feel put upon. We become skeptical about the true feelings behind the gifts bestowed upon us. Did my husband send me this box of candy because he loves me? Or did he buy me this because he thinks that’s what I wanted him to do? Or, does he just want me to gain weight?
Likewise, it is often with a feeling of reluctance that we give into the requirements of the day and dutifully purchase cards and flowers for the recipients who would appear to expect nothing less from us.
I propose that we take a step back this year and review the true significance of Valentine’s Day. I know I will. And I know what I will not do.
I will not send a Valentine to anyone just because it is expected of me. I will not scoff the day, however, and allow it to turn me into a cynic. In turn, I will not coerce anyone into sending me love notes just because the date happens to be February 14th. Guilt will have to step aside this year – I will neither bestow it on others, nor allow it to dictate my Valentine’s Day behavior.
What I will do this year is remember St. Valentine and his steadfast belief in the sanctity of love. I will send cards and flowers with an open heart and a willing desire to do so. I will tell my family and friends how much they mean to me. I will believe that if someone cares enough to present me with a Valentine that it comes from a real place of caring and accept it gladly. And I will remember that love flows from me - and to me – not just one day a year, but every day of my life.
So, thank you, St. Valentine, for giving us this very special day. I vow to observe it wisely.
By CJ Golden
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Deb Percival has more than 25 years of experience as a writer and communications strategist. She ran her own agency for 14 years and sold it to focus on helping a few select clients, and to write about our planet, the human/animal interface, and wellness. Deb is co-author of Street Smart Franchising, published by Entrepreneur Press, and of Strengthening 
