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Show Valentines Day There were three Saint Valentines, all living in the second half of the third century; cen-tury; one is thought to have been a priest of Rome, another was a bishop and little is known of the other. BUT THEY were all martyrs mar-tyrs and were connected in the ' popular mind with the people. Later, in Middle Ages Europe, the day known as St. Valentine's Day was associated associat-ed with lovers. IN THE fifteenth century English writers refer to the day as one when birds (and maybe humans!) choose mates. Costume balls are a feature of Valentine's Day and in countries where Mardi Gras or Frasching celebrations are extravagant there are always gala celebrations that day or night. HOWEVER it came about, boys and girls soon began exchanging Valentines. And hearts still beat faster when one's best girl, or best beau, sends an especially lovely Valentine. The custom has spread lo husbands and wives and others, and is a nice one even if over-commercialized. IT'S GOOD to be remembered remem-bered and to be loved and Valentine's Day prompts such expressions. The world unquestionably needs more love, and less hatred, and that is, in part, the message of February 14. |