Greetings readers! February, the month of romance, will soon be upon us. Why and when did this tradition begin? Who is Saint Valentine?

History tells us that it all began as both a Christian and ancient Roman tradition. One legend says that Valentine was a priest who served his church during the third century in Rome. At this time Emperor Claudius II was ruler and he decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine realized this injustice and defied Claudius by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Claudius discovered Valentine's actions he ordered Valentine to be put to death.

According to another legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine", an expression that is still in use today.

The truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly, a romantic figure.

At the end of the 5th century Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day. It was not until much later that the day became definitively associated with love.

Here are some unique handmade quality jewelry pieces to give your sweatheart, or yourself, letting them know how much they are loved, and don't forget to sign the greeting "from your Valentine". All are found on shveika73.ru: