Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, most commonly on February 14th. Did you celebrate? As for today, I did not celebrate it. I did, however, send Valentine’s Day cards to a few friends.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated to honor the 3rd century Roman saint, Saint Valentine. It began as a Christian festival. The festival was an alternative to a pagan Roman festival called Lupercalia. It was held during the middle of February. A fact that I had not previously known was that there were more than one Saint Valentine. Did you know that there were two Saint Valentine’s that were martyred?

Growing up, Valentine’s Day was celebrated at school, at least in elementary school. We would decorate lunch bags with hearts and other designs depicting Valentines. All the students would pick out their pack of Valentine cards they wanted to pass out to their classmates. Carefully sign their name to all the cards, enough for the whole class, including the teacher. Some packs were funny, others more general, and still others had candy attached to them. It was a fun time apart from the normal studies. Generally, cupcakes or other treats were sent by parents to help the children celebrate Valentine’s Day. Did you celebrate Valentine’s Day in school?

There are some fascinating facts surrounding the holiday.

• It originally was not a romantic holiday. That did not come into play until around the 14th century.
• The 1st Valentine was written from prison.
• Candy hearts were initially medical lozenges. They were not heart shaped until later.
• Pink and Red are considered the colors of love.
• The heart shape wasn’t always about romance. The heart was believed to be the human’s center of memory. A place where feelings of love were registered, preserved.
• Most men and women prefer to receive candy instead of flowers.
• The majority of gift giving is done by women. Women tend to give themselves a gift or gifts for Valentine’s Day.

One of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day is to remember the love of God. Know that it is a time for giving, not just for lovers. It is a time for everyone to show those we love how much we love and appreciate them. It is a time to show our friends how much we they are valued.

The Bible has several verses throughout the Old and New Testaments that refer to love. One of the most common verses about God’s love is:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 (NIV)

There are other verses that speak of God’s love for us, and some that command us to love one another. The following are a few examples:

“We love because he first loved us.”

I John 4:19

“A friend loveth at all times.”

Proverbs 17:17

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your Hod with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 22: 37-39

Valentine’s Day is a day for everyone to celebrate, it does not matter whether you are a part of a couple or are single. Each and every one of us can show our friends and family that we love them, appreciate them, and let them know they are valued. I do not know a single person that wants to be left out. Some might think the holiday is not for them. However, I think they would appreciate hearing from a friend reminding them they are loved.

I want to express my appreciate for each and every one of you. I want you to know God loves you and so do I. God bless! As always please feel free to like, comment, and follow. Have a blessed day. Happy Valentine’s Day!