Valentine was a priest who served during the 3rd century. February has long been a month of romance. February 14 was a day dedicated to the Roman Goddess Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The celebration featured a lottery in which young men would draw the names of teenage girls from a box. The girl assigned to each young man in that manner would be his companion during the remaining year.
Saint Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families; he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine thought this degree injustice. He defied the emperor and performed marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, the Emperor ordered that he be put to death. Valentine sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine had a platonic love for the jailer’s daughterwho visited him often during his confinement. Before his death, it is said he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine,” an expression we still use today. Cupid, another symbol of the holiday, became associated with it because he was the son of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards. If Cupid shoots you with his arrow you’re sure to fall head-over-heels in love.
Try this fun Valentines Day party game:
THE CHOPSTICK IN THE HOLE: With a chopstick tied to each guys waist and hands behind his back, they try to put the chopstick into a whole (can be a paper cup). A more mature version would be to tie the cup to a female participant.
Valentine party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a nice way to complete a Valentine Party Theme. Using party decorations like Valentine heart balloons as a centerpiece can also double as party prizes. Party favors like Valentine candy, cards, or glow jewelry suit a Valentine Party Theme.
