Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • February 8, 2012 Valentine’s Day is a holiday during February that commemorates love, romance, and Saint Valentine. The history of Saint Valentine is somewhat shrouded in mystery, and there are beliefs that many different people went by the name Saint Valentine. One such individual was a holy priest who served in Rome, Italy. Some historians surmise that he was jailed for defiance during the reign of Claudius II, sentenced to death, and became a religious martyr. Pope Gelasius marked Feb. 14 as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom in 496 AD. Today, the Catholic church recognizes at least three different martyred saints named Valentine or Valentius. So how did Saint Valentine’s Day transform from a religious holiday into one far more secular? During the third century in Rome, Claudius II decided that single men served better as soldiers if they were single and had no attachments at home in the way of a wife and family. Thus, he outlawed marriage. Saint Valentine didn’t agree with the views and reportedly performed marriages for young lovers in secret A guide to Valentine’s Day customs: Then and now -- which may have propelled Valentine’s Day to be more about love than religious obligation. Another legend says that Valentine authored the first valentine card. It has been rumored he fell in love with a woman -- the jailer’s daughter -- while in prison and sent her a letter. He signed it, “from your Valentine.” No matter the origins of the holiday, today Saint Valentine’s Day has become a day where love is celebrated. Lovers send each other cards and tokens of their affections. It is customary to go out for dinner and send flowers. Chocolates and roses seem to go hand-in-hand with Valentine’s Day events. Although certain customs have become commonplace, some customs of Valentine’s Day have fallen by the wayside. One such custom is the “drawing of names” that took place in the 18th century. Names of men and women (equal numbers of each) were placed into two different containers. A lottery of sorts took place where one man’s name was drawn and matched with a woman’s name. The people called were called “Valentines,” and the pairing was considered a good omen of these couples marrying later. Another lost custom involved a man wearing a paper heart with name of the person he loved written on it. The heart was pinned to his sleeve, which gave way to the expression, “wearing one’s heart on one’s sleeve.” A woman could do the same type of thing by wearing a charm known as a love-badge near her heart. Where now we send out mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards, original valentines were handmade and personalized letters. Within them individuals could write their exact sentiments to a loved one. On Feb. 14, people nipped by the love bug partake in many customs to show their love. How will you show that special someone you care this year? Valentine’s Day is seen by many as the perfect time for popping the question. Valentine’s Day is known for many symbols, all of which can be used as the backdrop for your proposal to ensure that it is memorable and special. If you want to propose on Feb. 14, here are some ways to do just that. Propose on bended knee at sunset on the beach. Even if it is cold where you live, the seaside is often a romantic place -- and a memorable one. Nestle the engagement ring inside one of the blooms in a floral bouquet. Instruct your would-be mate to sniff Holiday is a popular time for proposals out the sweetest flower. Open a box of chocolates, remove one of the treats from its paper liner, and place the engagement ring inside instead. Create a pull-string heart-shaped piñata. Place treats, including the engagement ring (in box) inside the heart. Let that special someone discover there’s more than just candy inside. Consider proposing early in the day, rather than at night over dinner, so you can enjoy the entire day together. For a really memorable day, think about proposing and eloping on the same day.