The Legend Behind Saint Valentine's Day Gift Giving

    BOCA RATON, FL, January 28, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Valentine's Day is when we express our love and appreciation to those we hold dear. But how did the gift giving get started? The history of Valentine's Day, and its patron saint, is shrouded in mystery. Saint Valentine's Day contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of them martyrs.

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. 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, the Emperor ordered him put to death.

Gift giving started when Valentine sent the first 'Valentine' greeting. While in prison, Valentine fell secretly in love with the jailer's daughter who had befriended him. Before his execution, Valentine wrote her a love letter which he sent along with a lock of his hair. The letter was filled with passion and his modest gift represented eternal love. He signed the letter "From your Valentine". His expression of love lived through the ages and started the tradition of giving Valentine's Day gifts.

About Chatt Plus, Inc.

Chatt Plus, Inc. markets fashion accessories including handbag hangers, purse hooks, handbag holders, purse holders, purse hangers, handbag hooks and key finders. Operating as ChattGifts.com the company sponsors the SmileTrain.Org, a charitable organization that provides free operations for children with cleft lip and palate in the developing world.

Source: Chatt Plus, Inc.
Website: http://www.ChattGifts.com

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