February is here and Valentine’s Day gives us a chance to show our appreciation and love towards each other.
Flowers, chocolate and greeting cards are the most common gifts and are often given to romantic partners but may be for family and friends, too.
But the origin of the holiday isn’t quite so rosy. According to History.com the love-filled holiday is likely named after St. Valentine of Rome, even though there were other saints named Valentine, and St. Valentine of Rome is believed to have been executed on February 14.
The article says, “One account from the 1400s describes Valentine as a temple priest who was beheaded near Rome by the emperor Claudius II for helping Christian couples wed.”
If you aren’t afraid of seeing a saint in pieces, the History.com article says, “The flower-adorned skull of St. Valentine is on display in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome.”
Saint Valentine of Rome is the patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy, and also “the patron saint of engaged couples and happy marriages.”
One MCCC student named Tione Campbell Jr., who is known for having a loving heart because he volunteers all the time in his community, says that he celebrates Valentine’s Day by just relaxing and eating chocolate. He also gives his mother flowers and talks to his girlfriend about what they did in the past year and what he looks forward to in the year ahead. He says that in a long-term relationship you really get to know a person and so you know what gift they would appreciate like money, candy or a teddy bear.
Saying “I love you” is powerful and shows deep feelings. In addition to gifts we also show love by hugs and kisses or even by our eyes and body language. Even if we are not talking about romantic love we can say these words every day to the people who matter in our lives to express how we feel.
