The Origins of Valentine's Day

It is thought that Valentine's Day probably derives it's origins from the ancient Roman feast of Lupercalia, an ode to the God of Fertility, which was celebrated on Februrary 15th. Their calendar was different at that time, with February falling in the early springtime. One of the customs of the young people was "namedrawing". On the the eve of the Lupercalia Festival the name of Roman girls were written on slip of paper and placed into jars. Each young man drew a slip. The girl whose name was chosen was to be his sweetheart for the year.

Legend has it that the holiday became Valentine's Day after a priest named Valentine. The Emperor at the time, Claudius II, ordered his Roman soldiers NOT 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. Before execution, Valentine himself had fallen in love with his jailer's daughter. His final note to her was , "From Your Valentine",a phrase that has lasted through the centuries.

Two Artisan Sisters wishes everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day!
If you are still needing a lovely gift for your Valentine check out our studio at http://www.twoartisansisters.artfire.com