Valentine's Day

Kate · Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:05 pm Post subject: Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?
The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.
So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church 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. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, 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. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Note:In my opinion, every day should be Valentine's Day. Love should be cherised and celebrated and always kept fresh and alive. The gestures need not be grand, but heartfelt and simple.....Kate

The recipes for the menu's listed below are all here on Yummyfood.

Valentine Dinner For Two #1

First course: Tomato & Basil Bisque
Entree: Baked halibut fillets
with potatoes cherry tomatoes
and gaeta olives
Dessert:Raspberry & Cream Parfaits

Wine: Pinot Grigio

Valentine Breakfast In Bed
Delight your special someone with a cozy breakfast in bed.Choose nice little serving dishes, heart shapes are nice.Don't forget to slip a fresh rose bud into a small vase.

Heart Shaped Scones (Choose your favorite scone recipe here and use a heart shaped cutter)
Clotted cream and jam
Cappuccino

Why not get out the good china and have a nice breakfast for two set up in the dining room. Feed the kids and send them out to play. Wake your hunny with a cup of coffee and an invitation to join you in the dining room....Place your Valentine card by the plate and a gift or flowers on the table.Sprinkle some red heart glitter around the plates and tie the napkins with red ribbons.

Swedish Pancakes with fresh strawberries and creme fraiche
Scrambled eggs
Mimosa's

Amore.....Kate
_________________
A closed mouth gathers no feet.