Love is in the air~~~

Yup. Love is really in the air~!~!~!

The thing with this lovely day is... It has a deeper meaning to the 14th February than meet the eyes. I found out quite long ago, but finally got the chance to blog about it today. Let's turn back time... Which means we have to read a bit of History. One of the troublesome subjects, but History of Valentine's doesn't seem that bad to me. XD... Here goes...

It's said that in the Rome of ancient times people observed a holiday on February 14th to honor Juno - the Queen of Roman Gods and Goddesses which is also regarded as the Goddess of Women and Marriage. Next day, February 15th began the fertility festival called 'Feast of Lupercalia'. The festival of Lupercalia was celebrated to honor the Gods Lupercus and Faunus - the Roman God of Agriculture besides the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

A custom followed where young girls and boys were brought together where they are normally separated. Names were drawn from the jar where girls draw a boy's name and vice-versa. They will then pair up for the duration of Lupercalia. Sometimes, the couple will pair up until the next season of Lupercalia and often, the couple will fall in love and get married to each other.

Okok.. I know this is not actually Juno. But, she's a really pretty anime Goddess. I'm fascinated with beautiful creatures. XD

Here comes the point:

Emperor Claudius II Rome cancelled marriages because he thinks that the reason that men did not join the army is because of their family.

Then, priest of Rome, Saint Valentine who is a romantic at heart defied Claudius's unjustified order and secretly married couples with the help of St. Marius. When his defiance was discovered, he was brutally beaten and put to death on 14th February about 270 A.D.

There's also another version saying that Valentine was killed because he attempted to help Christians escape from the Roman prison as they were being tortured and beaten.

As usual, legend has it's million versions and this is another version, where in prison Valentine or Valentinus fell in love with jailer's daughter who visited him during confinement. Before his death Valentine wrote a farewell letter to his sweetheart from the jail and signed ‘From your Valentine'.

Lupercalia is then brought forward to February 14 in the Middle Ages. Around 498 AD, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day to honor the martyr Valentinus and to end the pagan celebration.

Anyway, now that Valentine is around the corner, there must be a lot of girls and boys of various ages hunting for presents. And the most popular one is of course the flower. I was walking in Petaling Street the other day and there was this crowd in this floral boutique looking at the flowers. And this is also the right time for the bosses to slaughter the customers by increasing the prices. Haha... Maybe we should consider buying the flowers earlier, keep it until Valentines Day. Which is almost very hard to do since the flowers will wilt. >.<"""...

There is also another alternative for Valentines' Day gift for your loved ones. Namely, rings and necklaces. There's also keychain. Rings are especially good if you want to propose. XD..

This is actually a paperweight. Hahax~

However, the simplest is also the best which is the chocolates. Mmm... Nyum Nyum. Valentines' all about the chocolate, isn't it??? The most traditional gift and also the sweetest gift.

If you want something more special, can go to http://www.msn.com/ to browse for more Valentine's gifts. Haha... I think matching t-shirts and watches are also in demand now. Saw this Swatch pinky lovey watch in the The Star newspaper days ago.. Interested anyone???

This is not actually the one i promoted. But, this one looks really sweet and nice.

For those who are single out there, don't be sad. Valentine is also celebrated with family and friends nowadays. For those who are going to confess, all the best. May St. Valentines be with you. XD... As for those happily matched couples, create another history of a memorable Valentine's Day yar~~~