Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day. A day dedicated to the concept of romantic love. But did you know that Valentine's Day has one of any holiday's most mysterious origin stories?

Founding

Valentines Day is ostensibly named for and celebrates the Catholic Saint known as Saint Valentine, potentially at least one of two saints named Valentine. The Catholic Church recognizes almost a dozen saints, and there was a Pope by the name of Valentine. One of the stories surrounding this holiday is that Saint Valentine celebrated on this Day, performed illegal marriages, and was executed for it. Allegedly, the holiday was founded to help the Church distance itself from a Pagan Roman holiday. However, many historians dispute this. Another Potential origin was found in the Poetry of Geoffery Chaucer in 1375. Chaucer wrote his "Parlement of Foules," which connects Courtly Love with the Day, an association that didn't exist previously. 

Importance

In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, it is very easy for us to take our romantic partners for granted. Valentine's Day is a yearly reminder to slow down and remind us to take time with our partners and show them how appreciated they are.

Commemoration

Despite all the pressure we may sometimes put on ourselves to spend large amounts of money on the perfect gift for our loved ones on this Day, simply spending time with your partner can be all they want. Talk to them, listen, or even take a walk.

That's all I have for today. If you have a favorite Valentine's day memory, please share it in the comments until next time.