what is valentines day ? and its origin

Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine's cards, or offering candy. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine.

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day.Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries.

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.

Valentines day time line and places of celebration....

• The first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romantic love is in Parlement of Foules (1382) by Geoffrey ChaucerFor this was on seynt Volantynys dayWhan euery bryd comyth there to chese [choose] his make [mate].This poem was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. A treaty providing for a marriage was signed on May 2, 1381. (When they were married eight months later, he was 13 or 14. She was 14.)
  

In the West
Valentine's Day also has regional traditions in the UK. In Norfolk a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.

In the Americas

In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados (lit. "Day of the enamored", or "Boyfriend's/Girlfriend's Day") is celebrated on June 12, when couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets. This day was chosen probably because it is the day before the Saint Anthony's day, known there as the marriage saint, when many single women perform popular rituals, called simpatias, in order to find a good husband or a boyfriend

In Asia

Valentine's Day has emerged in Japan and Korea as a day on which women, and less commonly men, give candy, chocolate or flowers. It has become an obligation for many women to give chocolates to all male co-workers.

Islamic world

In Persian culture (Iran) Sepandarmazgan is a day for love, which is on 29 Bahman in the jalali solar calendar. The corresponding date in the Gregorian calendar is 17 February. Sepandarmazgan were held in the Great Persian Empire in the 20th century BC hundreds of years before its acknowledgement by western world.

Valentine's Day Ideas
It's that time of year when love is supposedly in the air. While some reach for air fresheners others are inhaling and wondering what to give to their one and only. Thinking a bit about it and asking numerous people on their opinions this is the list I think anyone could appreciate.For the Ladies from the Guys:

• Flowers: Don’t just give her roses but her favorite flowers! Maybe even in a pot instead of plastic and rubber bands.



• Candy: Valentine’s is like a second Halloween when it comes to candy..it might be what everyone is doing but it’s still traditional and semi-expected by most people.



• Plush Toy: Give her something unexpectedly cute that she’ll remember only YOU by.



• Dinner: Some rose petals on the floor, a surprise home cooked dinner in candlelight, and maybe a nice massage is a chance to show her your more romantic side.



• Picture: Maybe give her a nice picture of you as a couple in a nice frame. Give her something to remember your most special moment.



• Song: Sing "your" song to her…even if it just turns out to be a laughing spree over a make-out scene…at least she’s smiling at you and enjoying your comedy.



• Movie: Watch her favorite movie with her, despite how girly it might be, and just enjoy her sitting next to you.

For the Guys from the Ladies:

• Flowers and Candy are okay… but the Guys usually don’t get into flowers as much as the Ladies do.



• Candy: Why not? Lots of boys like candy…



• Plush Toy: Depending on the Guy’s personality…maybe something that will make him laugh.



• Dinner: Just give in and let him barbeque a huge steak and watch sports on the television while you plot on how to stick in your favorite movie.



• Picture: Surprisingly in my "interviews" a lot of guys wanted a cute couple picture with maybe a nice frame to remember a special time. How sweet. (I've also gotten the suggestion of edible underwear…it’s not officially on the list but whatever floats your boat.)



• Song: Does your guy like to be serenaded? Karaoke can always be fun together.