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The origin of Valentines Day is shrouded in mystery. There are many legends, stories and probably a few myths thrown in for good measure. Was this tradition based on early Christian saints? Or could it have been poetry from the middle ages? How about ancient Roman festivals? Or was it a combination? You may have to decide for yourself. Here are some interesting tales to think about.

An ancient pre-Roman festival, Lupercalia, was celebrated every year to honor Lupercus, a god of fertility. It was celebrated sometime between February 13-15 near the city of Rome. Originally a festival of shipyards, it lasted until the 5th century when Pope Gelasius abolished it.

Another story concerns the reign of Emperor Claudius II. This Emperor needed soldiers to fight wars and believed men failed to join his army because they didn\'t want to leave their wives and families. So Claudius outlawed marriages and engagements. A priest named Valentine continued to marry couples. Valentine was discovered and put to death. Afterwards he was named a Saint.

The oldest existing valentine was written by the Duke of Orleans to his wife. The poem was written to his wife while he was in prison in the Tower of London, following capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The poem still exists and is housed in the British Library in London.

In much of South America, Love and Friendship day is quite popular and celebrated on February 14th. While it\'s somewhat similar to the U.S. celebration, people also perform acts of appreciation for their friends. In Brazil, however, June 12th is Boyfriends/Girlfriends day. Couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets.

Valentine\'s Day in both Denmark and Norway is celebrated on February 14th and called Valentinsdag. But the traditions are much less commercial. Valentine traditions in these countries center on having a quiet romantic dinner with their partner or sending a card or a rose to a loved one.

In Iran February 17th is a day for love and called Sepandarmazgan. This day is celebrated much like it is in the West in spice of some governmental restrictions. Younger Iranian boys and girls often buy gifts and celebrate the tradition.

In the late 1840\'s the first mass-produced Valentine cards were produced by Esther Howland in Worchester, Massachusetts. Esther\'s cards, made of embossed paper lace were inspired by English valentines. By the early 1850\'s, one writer claimed that St. Valentine\'s Day had become a national holiday.

In Western culture the Valentine\'s Day tradition is for lovers to express their love by giving flowers, cards or candy. The practice of giving Valentines Day cards was expanded to all types of gifts during the last 50 years. Gifts such as roses or chocolates are now common.

Looking for Valentine flower delivery to Tampa? A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts http://www.a-bow-kflorist.com can deliver fresh flowers and gifts to those you care about in Tampa and neighboring communities. Remember to order early.

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