Have you ever noticed how Valentine’s day seems to creep up on you from nowhere? I’m noticing Valentine Cards and cakes wherever I go and ideally would love to be one of those super-organized people who don’t leave it till the last minute rush to get a Valentine Card for my husband – what you mean to tell me that you are not one of those kind of people? Yes – you’ll catch me in the supermarket aisle giggling away to myself at all the funnies in the Valentine Cards section – I have no shame! But hey life is too short to waste a good giggle!
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine’s Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine”. Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia. The lives of young boys and girls in those days were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Awwww!
For me Valentine’s Day is the one day in the year where lovers 
can afford to be lavish with one another – splash each other with gifts, cake, cards, Cake, flowers, cake – actually have you noticed I’m obsessed with Cake? Particularly Valentine’s Cakes!
No my husband won’t be buying me any cake as I bake for him every day! However for those of you who love to drool – here are my Valentine Cakes – just dripping with hearts and flowers (red roses and chocolate – what more could you possibly want?)
you can order them from Cake Heaven – right on time for Valentine’s Day!
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Photos compliments of http://www.andreapittam.com
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