Dear Valentines of UDN,

    Other than wishing you a happy Chinese New Year, I would like to share with you some interesting facts about Valentine's Day.

How Valentine's Day Began?

     The holiday came from a festival that Romans celebrated more than 2000 years ago. They called it Lupercalia which was in honor of the Roman god Lupercus for he protected their crops and animals from hungry wolves.

How Valentine's Day Got Its Name?

     Later this festival changed when the Romans became Christians. The Romans decided to rename the holiday Saint Valentine's Day. It was in honor of a Christian priest named Valentine. In one story, Valentine broke the law because he secretly witnessed young lovers' marriage. This made the emperor very angry and decided to put Valentine in jail. February 14, A.D. 269 Valentine was put to death. Before he died, he signed a letter with "from your Valentine" to his lover. 

How Valentine's Day Spread?

     Over time, many Romans became Christians. Some moved to other countries and brought their holidays with them. Thes countries include England, Italy, Austria, Hungary, France and Germany. Some countries celebrated as a religious feast day. Others did it a romantic way.

The First Paper Valentines

     When people learned how to read and write, they sent love letters to their sweethearts. Later, these letters were called valentines. In the 1700s, Americans often got valentines from their friends in England. Many early settlers of America asked women to marry them on this day. Of couse, later valentines were made by machine. I am sure you have seen cards made by Hallmark, American Greeting and Gibson.

Things You Might See on Valentine's Day

     Hearts : represent our feelings and souls

     Flowers: remind people of love. Red means love because people think it is the color of the human heart.

     Cupid: a Roman god , a happy little boy who wanted others to be happy too. He shot invisible arrows into people's hearts and made them fall in love.

     Birds: remind us of spring and mating. Doves are a symbol of love. They sit together in pairs and make gentle cooing sounds to each other.

What You Can Do on Valentine's Day?

    1. Make your own card for someone speicial.

    2. Bring flowers to someone you haven't visited in a long time such as your parents.

    3. Forgive someone who has hurt you such as your husband or wife.

    4. Visit a lonely or sick neighbor.

    5. Be nice and write back to Barbara, your blog friend.

From you know who