The origin of Valentine’s Day

There are many variations and opinions regarding the origin of the holiday that many across the United States, and even in various countries around the world, recognize today as Valentine’s Day, also referred to as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine. Some sources believe the St. Valentine character is actually the compilation of two different historical figures who have merged into one through the storytelling and folk traditions passed down through generations. Though mystery surrounds its origin, there is no doubt that love and romance have always been a part of the story.

One popular belief is that St. Valentine was a priest from Rome who lived in the third century. According to legend, marriage had been outlawed for young men who were thought to make better soldiers rather than be concerned with the responsibilities of having a wife and children. During this time, it is believed that St. Valentine proceeded with performing marriage ceremonies secretly. When his crime was discovered, he was put to death by the order of Emperor Claudius II. According to tradition, Valentine’s execution took place Feb. 14, thus providing an explanation for the date of the holiday’s observance.

Another legend states that Valentine sent the original Valentine’s greeting to his young lover, who happened to be the jailer’s daughter. Allegedly, Valentine signed the love letter he had written and delivered to her before his execution. He signed the letter with the phrase, “From your valentine.” This romantic closing is still widely used today as an expression of love on Valentine’s Day.

By the 14th century, St. Valentine had grown much in popularity in both England and France, but it wasn’t until much later, in the 18th century, that Valentine’s Day began to be celebrated and observed. Initially, Valentine’s cards were strictly homemade. The time and effort it took to create them demonstrated one’s love and devotion to the intended recipient. Premade cards soon arrived on the scene, and elaborate dec- orations and ornate details were distinct features of those available, especially in London. A collection at the Museum of London displays several cards from that era.

Though some of the details of its origins are unclear and perhaps even presumptuous, it is clear that Valentine’s Day has morphed into a holiday focused on the expression of love for friends, family or sweethearts. Traditions vary according to how individuals or families celebrate the day, but those most commonly observed are valentine cards exchanged between school-aged children, candlelight dinners for couples, chocolate and roses from secret admirers or special meals and other tangible demonstrations of love among family or friends. More recently, Valentine’s Day has grown in popularity as a non-official holiday for women to celebrate their best girlfriends the day before Valentine’s Day.

Here in Morgan, several events will take place around the holiday. Morgan High School will have its Girl’s Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, Feb. 11. Both Mountain Green Middle School and Morgan Middle School host a fun Valentine’s dance and grade level parties on Valentine’s Day. The elementary schools will carry on the annual tradition of a Valentine’s card exchange and candy within each classroom, a sweet, memorable tradition for many children.l

Thousands dead after earthquake in Turkey

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the border of Turkey and Syria over the weekend, killing an estimated 2,300 people as of the most recently available figures. Hundreds more are assumed to be trapped in rubble across the affected areas. The numbers are expected to rise considerably as the rescue efforts continue. The area has been struck by a number of large earthquakes over the years, including a massive quake in 1999 that resulted in 18,000 deaths. Thousands of buildings collapsed over a nearly 200-mile area.

Chinese spy balloon raises new international stakes

The unfolding drama of Chinese spy balloons has created increased tensions with China, who claims that the U.S. “overreacted” to their presence in U.S. airspace. After taking heat for not reacting sooner, the Biden administration ordered one balloon shot down over the weekend, after it had cleared areas which may have created potentially dangerous wreckage in inhabited areas. It has since been revealed by the Pentagon that such balloons were observed during the Trump administration as well. Investigation of the balloon’s remains is ongoing, to determine what exactly they had been collecting.

AMC begins charging more for better seats

Good news for those who prefer to sit closer to the screen, but bad news for everyone else. AMC, one of the largest U.S. movie theatre chains recently announced new pricing models for its theatres. “Preferred” tier seats will cost more and occupy the middle seats of the theatre, while rear and side seating will fall into the “Standard” tier. “Value” seats will be reduced cost, and include the rows closest to the screen. This new system will only be in effect for showings after 4 p.m.

Six more weeks of winter predicted

Whether the estimate is exact or not, both Punxsutawney Phil and the National Weather Service see at least several more weeks of very wintery temperatures. Statistically, the famous groundhog’s shadow is roughly a coin flip’s percentage reliable in terms of long-term weather forecasting. However, advanced computer modeling does tend to support the call this time, with most experts explaining that the trends throughout the season so far lead them to believe that the in many cases historically low temperatures will continue at least through February.