History of Valentine's Day

Legend has it that a priest named Valentine served in the Roman Empire during the third century. The Emperor Claudius II decided that young men made better soldiers and thus released a decree outlawing marriage for young men. Valentine was angered by this decree and in turn began performing marriage ceremonies in secret between young lovers. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius put him to death.

A few stories surround the mystery behind what started the celebration of Valentine's day, all of which empasizes the importance of one thing: love.

Don't get sucked in by the commercialism of the holiday. Spend it with people you love - your husband, wife, parents, siblings, lover, or friend. I, for one, am spending it with my fiance and 7 of our closest friends, pigging out on yummy Chinese food. I can't think of a better way to spend Valentine's.

Have a happy Valentine's day everyone!