All about Valentine's Day - 14th February

On the 14th of February know as Valentine’s Day, up and down the country flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones.

The history of Valentine's Day and its patron saint is shrouded in mystery. What is know is that February has long been a month of romance - St. Valentine's Day.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that men living the single life made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he therefore outlawed marriage for young men who were then lined up as potential soldiers. Valentine, realising the injustice of the announcement, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages ceremonies for lovers in secret. Valentine's actions were soon discovered; Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it isbelieved that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, known to be his jailor's daughter. Before Valentine’s death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' as we know, this expression that still in use today.

Although the truth behind the differing Valentine anecdotes, one overriding factor is emphasize that he was a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.

In the UK, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers to give small tokens of affection or handwritten notes to each other. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Manufactured cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged.

Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but they're certain to be well-received any time of year. Make sure you send roses to your loved one this Valentine's day - chose a roses delivered online - guaranteed delivery date for your Roses.