Valentine

Ok, I think that single people everywhere will agree that this is the worst holiday ever invented! A little history: Valentines began in 270 A.D. when the Roman emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for soldiers under the notion that married men would not want to leave their families to go to battle. A Christian bishop named Valentine began secretly marrying soldiers to their young lovers in defiance to the new law. In a twist of fate, Valentine was thrown into jail for attempting to convert Claudius II and, while imprisoned, fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Just before his execution on the 14th of Feb., Valentine left a love note to his sweetheart signing it, "your Valentine."

An ancient Roman feast called Lupercalia, began each year just after Feb. 14th and involved young maidens placing their names into jars from which young men would each draw a name. The two would then be together for the festival or longer if they chose. Later, the Catholic church declared Valentine a Saint and changed this 'pagan' holiday to Saint Valentines day to celebrate young love.

(Do Fish Drink Water by Bill McLain)

Today: This holiday is still is an unpleasant reminder of how alone we can be or an entrapment to those with a Valentine they don't want. So, be happy if you have someone you love and for God's sake, please don't rub it in your lonely or frustrated friends' face!