The History of Valentine's Day
By Amber Ward

February 14 is Valentine's Day. The day loved ones exchange affections through cards, flowers, gifts and candy.

But where does this tradition originate?

The history of Valentine's Day and its patron saint, St. Valentine, are actually quite mysterious. We do know that February has long been associated with romance, and St. Valentine's Day contains both Christian and ancient Roman traditions.

One legend describes Valentine as a priest who lived during the third century in Rome. Emperor Claudius II felt that single men made better soldiers than married men and banned marriage for young men.

Valentine recognized the injustice, and continued to marry young couples in secret. When his actions were discovered, the Emperor had him put to death.

Another legend contends that Valentine was actually put to death for aiding Christians in the escape of their Roman captors, who would put them in harsh prisons where they were tortured.

According to yet another legend, Valentine sent the first "valentine" card/greeting to himself while in prison. He had fallen in love with a girl who had visited him, possibly the daughter of his jailer. And before his death, he wrote her a letter that was signed "From your Valentine."

The true legend is obscure, but maybe they are all true in their own way. Each legend pays tribute to love, whether it's a love between young couples, or a love for humanity as a whole.

It was the heroic, or romantic, (depending on the legend) efforts of one man, St. Valentine. He's one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages, who is still remembered today.

Valentine's burial took place in the middle of February, and many believe this is why Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th.

However, the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's Feast day in the middle of February in an effort to "Christianize" a pagan celebration that was already taking place.

The Lupercalia Festival was celebrated in ancient Rome. It marked the beginning of spring, and began during the ides of February - Feb. 15. It was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the God of Agriculture, and also to Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

The Luperci, an order of Roman priests would gather at the sacred cave were Romulus and Remus were cared for as infants by a she-wolf, or lupa. The priests would then sacrifice a goat for fertility, and a dog for purity. The boys would then take the goat hide, cut into strips and dip it in the sacred blood and take to the streets gently slapping women and crops in the fields to ensure a fertile year for all.

Valentine's Day, as we recognize it, really became popular in the seventeenth century, and by the eighteenth century it was commonplace for friends and lovers of all classes to exchange tokens of affection.

Today, it is estimated that one billion Valentines are sent each year, making it the second largest card-sending holiday, Christmas being the first. Valentine's Day is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.

How are you and your loved one celebrating Valentine's Day this year? Here are some suggestions that are not to far from home:

Daytime Activities

Take a romantic trip around Lake Cuyamaca either on foot, or rent a boat 760-765-0515. Julian Tea & Cottage Arts 760-765-0832 offers a charming afternoon tea that is sure to be a hit. Country Carriages 760-765-1471 offers a romantic tour of downtown Julian, a must for locals and visitors alike. Or try a tour of the Anza-Borrego Desert with California Overland, LLC 760- 767-1232. Julian Stables 760-765-1598 provides guided trail rides, a great way to get away from the strains of everyday life. Reservations are required for trail rides and desert tours. Reservations are recommended for boat rentals, afternoon tea and carriage rides.

Dinner

Try a romantic dinner at the candle-lit tables of the Julian Grille 760-765-0173 or Romano's Dodge House Ristorante 760-765-1003. Cuyamaca Restaurant 760-765-0700 and the RongBranch Restaurant 760-765-2265 are both excellent choices for family dining. It is necessary to make reservations for a Valentine's Day dinner, this is also a very popular day for Julian visitors.

Romantic Overnights

Spend a night at the romantic Villa De Valor 760-765-3865, Butterfield Bed & Breakfast 800-379-4262, Eaglenest Bed & Breakfast 888-345-6378, Mountain High Bed & Breakfast 760-765-1083, Shadow Mountain Ranch 760-765-0323, or Pinezanita Cottages 760-765-0429. For royal treatments, including dinner and other amenities, try Orchard Hill Country Inn 800-716-7242, Pine Hills Lodge 760-765-1100, or Warner Springs Ranch 760-782-4223. Reservations must be made in advance to any of these getaways.