The Voice
Every February 14th, across the country, gifts are exchanged between people in the name of Saint Valentine. The usual gifts associated with the holiday are candy, flowers, cards, and jewelry and let’s not forget the big white and red teddy bear. But how did this holiday come about, and what will you get that special someone this year on a college budget that says everything you want to say?
The origin of the holiday is still very unclear, however today, the Catholic Church currently recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Another says that Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today. For more information about the history of Valentine’s Day check out www.historychannel/exhibits/valentine/history.html.
This month of romance seems to come at a bad time for most people being that Christmas just ended a little over a month ago, but relax, there are sweet, affordable gifts out there. Since everyone at The Colonnade loves this holiday, we thought we would share some great gift ideas with the student body so you won’t be stumped this 14th.
One gift idea can be found at Wal-Mart. You might laugh but listen first. In the Valentine’s section there are cast-iron roses that are very cute, look just like real ones, and the best part–never die. Called the ‘forever rose’ this gift would touch any girl’s heart if given in a vase with a sweet card and sweet words from you.
An idea for that special guy can be handmade with some love. First make his favorite dinner, with candles burning, and sweet music in the background. On his plate leave either a handmade card or a store-bought card with sweet words from you in it. Go on the Internet and name a star after him, or even have a puzzle card personalized with your name and his on it.
If these ideas do not interest you, look at http://netat.com/OS/valentine/perfectvalentine.htm for more great gifts. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 8 2002. Filed under Our Voice.
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