Every February, across the world, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. So what is the deal with this St. Valentine or is this another way for us consumers to spend more money on the above mentioned items, after the holiday season has passed?

Valentine or Valentinus was a priest according to some tales who defied Emperor Claudious's decree that no man in his army should be married. Valentine conducted secret and very romantic wedding ceremonies in the grandest of natural settings. He was later thrown into jail for his behaviour... sentenced for execution.

According to the legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Now, the next question is about the date. Mid February, was a pagan celebration called Lupercalia, which was celebrated before the "Christianization" of the "New World". The Catholic Church, in an effort to rid society of the pagan influences, which was deemed a way to damnation -- decided to celebrate a feast on the 14 of February. A few centuries later in about 600 AD, mid February was also seen as the mating season for birds. The romanticists, put a spin on that knowledge and the Valentine's Day as we know began to evolve.

Though the history is quite murky, I'll let this one be the one I shall stick to. There is a popular myth that, Hallmark, the greeting card company invented Valentine's day. Perhaps... but they certainly infuse a sense of guilt in the average person who has not done the "Valentine" thing for their loved one.

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There are so many forms of love. The love you feel for your parents, for your siblings, for your dog, even for friends. The love I feel for my wife, is different from all of those mentioned. Hell, I have love for cars. I can spend hours with my car or motorcycle, but that too is a a different kind. Is it just us humans who feel so many kinds of emotions? I'm sure an anthropologist can help me with that... are you listening Tricia?


As a new parent, I can define love in a way I have never felt before.

Love is... when you are bathing your baby in a bathtub and she poops out a little turd. You cheer and say positive things while fishing it out with your bare hands.

Yup, that is love. Don't need no steenken valentine to prove that. Mushy? You bet yer right butt cheek!