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The history of Valentine's Day is a holiday that contains vestiges of both Christian and Ancient Roman traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes at lease three saints. Two are named as Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One of the legends contends that Valentine was a priest, who served during the third century in Rome. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II.

Claudius had banned marriages for young men, because he believed that married men with children were not as good as the men who did not have a family. Even though, it was against the law in these parts for a young man to marry. Valentine still continued to perform the marriage ceremonies, knowing the risk.

That is until Claudius found out that it was still going on and ordered that capture of Valentine. While in prison, awaiting his death sentence, it is said that he fell in love with the jailer's daughter and would secretly send her letters, signed "Your Valentine". This is a phrase that is still used to this day.

Later around 498 A.D. Pope Gelasius declared February the 14 as St. Valentines Day. It is thought the date and timing in the year, has to do with the fact it represents spring, fertility and love.

The oldest greeting card was written in 1415 as part of a manuscript collection from Charles Duke of Orleans. This letter was written to Duke's wife, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He had been captured at the Battle of Agincourt. This particular collection is currently on display at the British Library in London, England.

The first actual commercial greeting card was produced here in the United States, was created in 1840s by Ester A. Howland. She later became known as the Mother of Valentines Day. She made her greeting cards out of real lace and ribbons; she used to tie the card.

Now a days there are Billions of cards sent out during this time of year and most of the people that celebrate this holiday, do so out of the love and desire to share a special moment with the one person that makes you feel warm and fuzzy all over.

We sometimes like to over due the holiday with lots of little gifts, just for that special person we have in mind. But the reality is that this is really suppose to be about sharing time and being loving and tender to those that mean the most to us.

It is just a wonderful holiday to let the whole world know how you feel and it's OK to do so. After all it is love we are talking about. This is an emotion to be shared and hold close to us, when we are alone.

The flowers and the small gifts are great to get and give, but the most precious gift is giving of your self. This is the relevance of the holiday. It is one day a year, when it is OK to let your inner nice, loving self show through, so don't be bashful men, show us you love us everyday, but this day is an invitation for men and women alike to get next to the love you have deep within you.

Learn more about this author, Sam Madsen.
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