Here are some interesting facts about Valentine's Day:
In Roman history one emperor decreed that all the Roman soldiers could not be married. A priest named Valentine felt bad for the soldiers and held secret marriage ceremonies for them. The romantic priest was put to death for his treason on February 14. He was later named St. Valentine. One story about St. Valentine told of his imprisonment. He fell in love with the jailers daughter and started writing her love letters which later associated Valentines with love.
In the 1700s love letters were sent out on February 14 all over countries in Europe. The celebration caught on in the colonies. Eventually the Valentine's Day holiday became more commercial. The first commercially produced cards were produced in 1850 by Esther Howland of Massachusetts. This became a booming business.
Among the earliest gifts were Valentine's candy, and the first Valentine's day candy boxes appeared in the late 1800s. Richard Cadbury started selling his candy in heart-shaped boxes around the holiday and launched an entire industry.
Modern Valentine's Day Facts:
Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated in many different English speaking countries. About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are sent each year. One out of every five of those cards go to parents. Roses, next to cards, are the second most popular gift on Valentine's Day. About 110 million roses are delivered on or around Valentine's Day, and most of them are red.
Can you imagine that many roses?
In our family we have our own Valentine's Day story. My father, Conrad Hunter, was raised by his grandparents. His Grandpa was named William Valentine Walker because he was born on Valentine's Day. His family got together every Valentine's Day to celebrate and they always served Oyster Stew, Great Grandpa's favorite. My father remembers these parties and he loved to get together and he liked Oyster Stew.
Several years ago I decided to have a Valentine's Day celebration to honor Grandpa Walker. I invited my Father and Mother and Joy and John Kelsey's family. I tried a couple of Oyster stew recipes and my dad chose one that was the most like he remembered. We served Oyster Stew and Potato Soup (for those who were not too brave). Not everybody tried the Oyster Stew. Paul Kelsey decided to try the oysters, but he just couldn't handle the thought. He threw up on the table. Not everybody likes oysters. Personally, I don't like them that well either.
Have a great Valentine's Day with or without oysters. I love you. Grandma Hall