Valentine's Day - a day for lovers
Did you know that around 150 million Valentine's day cards are exchanged every year making Valentine's Day second in popularity only to Christmas?
Mystery shrouds the origins of Valentine's Day and its patron saint St Valentine. Yet February is traditionally the month of romance and St Valentine's Day is one where lovers celebrate their affection for each other. When February 14 turns up gifts are exchanged between loved ones and all in the name of St Valentine. But what do we know about St Valentine?
Some say that Valentine was a priest who served Rome in the third century. Emperor Claudius II decreed that single men made better soldiers than family men and outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine recognising the injustice of this continued performing marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine was rumbled he was put to death.
Another legend suggests that he had tried to help prisoners escape harsh Roman prisons. He too was imprisoned and fell in love with a young girl who was his jailors' daughter. He actually sent the first valentine message when he wrote her a letter before his death signed "From your Valentine."
Whatever the truth, this is the perfect time to spoil your Valentine this February 14th with one of our amazing selection of gifts.