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When you think of Valentines Day no doubt heart shaped candy, flowers, and gifts are some of the many things that pop into your mind. All done in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and where did the tradition originate?
The Legend of Saint Valentine
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor's daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today (history.com).

Did you know?

Approximately 150 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas

Men spend almost twice as much on Valentine's Day as women do. This year, the average man will spend $156, while the average woman will only spend $85.

More than nine million pet owners are expected to buy gifts for their pets this Valentine's Day.

The oldest surviving valentine dates from 1415. It is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.

This year Village Realty is offering a Valentine's Day package.
Leap with your love to the Outer Banks this February!
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