Historically, Valentine’s Day became official thanks to a Pope at the end of the 5th century. Some say it’s origins go back to the Roman Empire and the ancient pagan fertility festival, called Lupercalia, which was celebrated around the time of year that the birds began to mate. (This seems likely, because today – Valentine’s Day – I heard one of the family of cardinals clicking in our wisteria vine, which is where they nest all Spring, Summer and Fall. What a beautiful clicking, heard during a snow shower early this morning!

Anyway, some say that the Pope commenorated a priest who had been martyred, because he married young men, preventing their recruitment into the Roman army. It seems that any of the many stories about the Christianized St. Valentine’s Day is linked to murder in some form or other. Only the pagan fertility festival links to pleasure.

So whether it is a commemoration of a martyred priest or simply lust, we’re going to be stuck worldwide with Valentine’s Day and the acclaimed Valentine Greeting Cards. In an editorial from www.JakartaPost.com a postgraduate student,Tasa Nugraza Barley, debated whether the concern about banning Valentine’s Day for young Indonesian Muslims was needed. The stores in Indonesia are decorated with pink and red hearts and greeting cards and chocolates. The clerics attribute the holiday to Christian tradition and worry about the impact of straying from Islamic teachings. Tasa concluded, “All I want to say is that we shouldn’t be too paranoid about this. Not everything from the West is bad for all of us. There are things that we could learn. But, there are also things that we shouldn’t follow.” Who couldn’t agree with that?

The UK is thought to be the origin of the Valentine’s Greeting card, but it was an imprisoned Frenchman, Charles, Duke of Orleans, who should be given credit for the love lyrics in his missives. The Duke, held in the Tower of London, is said to have written many romantic verses to his French wife, while in custody.

Valentine’s Day greeting cards reached the America’s in the early 1700’s, coming from Great Britain. So as a country, we’ve been sending greeting cards at Valentines for hundreds of years.

WARNING: Don’t send greeting cards expressing your love just on Valentine’s Day, or your message may seem a bit contrived…just a bit. No, a lot! After over half a century of Valentine’s cards, I have received a few, especially early on in my first-time-around marriage. Back then they were perceived by me as an attempt to appease instead of please. Everyone will find themselves so much further ahead, if they say and live it everyday. Send an unexpected love greeting card, every month or so. Can you ever express your appreciation and love too much? I guess you could, if taken to the extreme. That would make you appear very needy.

Remember to use your own special style. Make you greeting a custom greeting card. The love of your life with really appreciate it, and you will be authentic.

Here’s some messages I particularly like that I found in my local paper, The Post Tribune.

From a Wife:

Roses are Red, Violets are blue.
Let’s gamble on love, just me and you.
We’ll go to the boat, and stay for the night.
Being married to you, has always been right!

Happy 23rd Valentines Anniversary!
Going to the boats in NW Indiana, means casino, if you’re from out of town.
She has a gambling theme in her message, and they probably enjoy their gaming.

From a Husband:

Roses are red,
Our anniversary is here,
But do you remember what I said?
“Hey, do you want to get a beer?”

On Valentine’s Day,
WILL YOU BE MINE.

I really like the one above, even if the meter is off a little, because you know darn well, that they’ll have a beer on Valentines and that’s their style. Be real, not sappy!

Now my very favorite of all times, from a wife of 13 years. It’s really real!

To my wonderful
husband of 13 years.
Just like my “behind,”
my love for you has
grown each day!
I love you!

With that thought in mind, remember a picture is worth a thousand words. So when you can, include an uploaded photo in your card and make it into a custom, photo greeting card. To be my guest and send two of your own photo cards, just click HERE!

 BUSINESS NOTE: If you have a business, you will miss an opportunity if you don’t send your special clients or customers a Valentine’s Day Greeting Card.  Let them know you care.  They won’t expect it, and they will appreciate it! Referrals come from unexpected connections!

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