The History of Valentine:
The holiday of Valentine’s Day probably derives its origins from the ancient Roman feast of Lupercalia. Young people had a tradition of name-drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on pieces of paper and placed into jars. Each young man drew a paper. The girl whose name was chosen was to be his sweetheart for the year.
Legend has it that Valentine’s Day was named after a priest in Rome called Valentine. At that time Christianity was a new religion. The Emperor at that time, Claudius II, ordered the Roman soldiers NOT to marry or become engaged. Claudius believed that as married men, his soldiers would want to stay home with their families rather than fight his wars. Valentine defied the Emperor’s decree and secretly married the young couples. He was eventually arrested, imprisoned, and put to death.
Valentine was beheaded on February 14th, the eve of the Roman holiday Lupercalia. After his death, Valentine was named a saint. As Rome became more Christian, the priests moved the spring holiday from the 15th of February to the 14th – Valentine’s Day. Now the holiday honored Saint Valentine instead of Lupercus. (Studio Melizo, 1995)
Today we celebrate this day of love with the people we hold dear to us, but why wait for February 14 – why not make it everyday?
Love … Is it that deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, or is it recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness. Perhaps it is a feeling of intense desire and attraction toward that person with whom we are disposed to make a pair, the emotion of sex and romance. How about sexual passion or sexual intercourse, an affair?
However you define love is entirely up to you.
To the love birds:
Verbal compliments, or words of appreciation, are powerful communicators of love, you can never go wrong with these. They are best expressed in simple, straightforward statements of affirmation. Looking at each other and talking, giving your undivided attention (while the game is on does not count). That twenty or more minutes of time will never be had again: we are giving our lives to each other. It is a powerful communicator of love.
For some individuals, physical touch is their primary love language. Without it, they feel unloved. With it, their emotional tank is filled, and they feel secure in the love of their partner. The touch of love may take many forms. Guys, don’t make the mistake that the touch that brings pleasure to you will also bring pleasure to her. Girls, give him some room sometimes, he does not always want to cuddle.
To the friendly birds:
There is nothing as nice as someone who shares your laughter, your secrets, your wishes and cares, someone who is there through your good times and tears, who stays by your side as your friend through the years. So keep the candle alive; do something special for that special friend, not to say that you only do something for them on this day, but if you have not been doing so before, make this your starting point. Valentine’s is not just for ‘lovers’ – anyone can be so nominated.
To the Single Birds:
Keep the hope alive that that special someone is out there and it is just a matter of time before you find each other. Keep looking forward to that day with all your heart. Prepare yourself for them each day. Imagine what they could be like. What might they look like? Is he tall, dark, and handsome or is she short, sweet, and good looking? No matter what, they are for you and they will love you regardless of what happens through the years. Then the day will come when you will be growing old with each other for the rest of your life.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all.
University of Bridgeport
Friday, July 4, 2025