Happy Valentine's Day

Who's never been in love? That's one great feeling for every and each one of us to experience, and it's worth it! For some people, it's worth even dying. One of the most common legends for the Valentine's Day depicts Valentine as a roman priest during the third century, who was allegedly arrested and convicted to death by Emperor Claudius II. This emperor supposedly ordered young men to remain single, as they would become better soldiers, in a intent to grow his army. Even though, Valentine would have kept performing marriages for young men in secret, which caused his arresting.
This same legend might be the origin for the tradition of gifts and cards on this special date. While arrested, Valentine would receive flowers and messages from young lovers, who still believed in love. Also priest Valentine is alleged to have written the first "Valentine's" card. He is believed to have fallen in love with the jailer's daughter, whose vision he would have restored. So, in his death's eve, he would have written her this letter, ending with the traditional "From your Valentine".
On the other hand, Valentine's Day could have pagan origins, being turned into a religious date just like Christmas. It's origin would be the ancient roman Lupercalia, connected to fertility. Anyway, one could never say that fertility is totally apart from love, right?
In Brazil Valentine's Day is held differently. It is celebrated on June 12, Saint Anthony's day, traditionally know as the marriage saint. But about that I could write later, close to our June Party. For now, all I wanna say is Happy Valentine's Day!