“Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide
And this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart”
-E.E. Cummings

These lines manage to give me goose bumps every time I read them. They work like magic, making the air around you colder and heart, heavier. Valentines is around the corner and Love is in the air. Every 14th February, candies, flowers and gifts are exchanged around the world and the day is celebrated with fondness and passion.

There is actually a very interesting history connected to the celebration of Valentine’s day. Legend contends that, there was a priest in the 3rd century in Rome, Valentine and there was a king, Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor was of an opinion that single men made better soldiers then those with wives and families. Taking action on his rigid beliefs, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, denouncing the Emperor’s rule, continued performing secret marriage ceremonies for young lovers. Soon Valentine’s actions were discovered and he was put to death by Emperor’s order.

Other Legend says that Valentine the priest, helped Christians escape the Roman Jails that tortured them. Imprisoned for his actions, Valentine fell in love with the Jailor’s daughter, who often came to visit him. It was then that he wrote her a letter and signed it “From Your Valentine”, an expression running up and down in history from time immemorial.

Although the legends have a sad end, the main emphasize is the feeling. At the end of 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared 14th February St. Valentine’s day. Feeling of love and compassion towards one’s beloved became the spirit of the month and people from all walks of life began celebrating the day.

Now that you know, let your valentine know about this interesting legend too- bring it up over coffee or in your post dinner walk. All we wish for you is a dreamlike evening.