What Are You Getting Your Valentine?
Ah, the month of romance! All in the name of St.Valentine, candy, flowers, and gifts will be exchanged between loved ones across the country on February 14th.
Who is this saint that we commemorate each year and how did he become connected with this very old tradition? Actually its history is a mystery, but one story contends that Valentine was killed for trying to help Christians escape from brutal Roman prisons.
Lore varies, but supposedly, while in prison Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. According to the legend, he sent the very first “valentine” card when he wrote her a letter prior to his death, signing it “From your Valentine.” Throughout the ages Valentine’s popularity grew as the stories emphasized his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and romantic person,developing into the tradition we celebrate today.
Do you know what you are getting your valentine? How about a love token? These coins were made into unique expressions of love for wives, girlfriends, mothers, and friends. Also, jewelry was made from many of these tokens, so they could easily be worn by the recipient.
Start by looking for a love token with the recipient’s initials engraved on it. If you’re feeling really ambitious, why not try engraving a love token yourself for that special person?
Happy Valentine’s Day!
