Ernst & Haas Management Co Blog

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs6xesanxNM] It's February and the only reason anybody ever really likes February is because of Valentine's Day. The holiday, which is celebrated around the world, goes beyond the candy and flowers and commercialized fiasco it has become over the years. It's in fact deeply rooted in history and honors the very saint the day is named after. But like most other historical figures and events, there's really not one concrete story as to what Valentine's Day is all about. So here are a few takes on the origins of Valentine's Day... One legend - the most popularly believed - 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 - his group of potential soldiers. Realizing the injustice of the decree, Valentine defied the Emperor and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, the Emperor ordered that he be put to death. According to another legend, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl while in prison. The girl, who also happened to be his jailor's daughter, visited him often while he was in confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine". This is believed to be the first Valentine ever sent. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beat and tortured, which would explain why the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine - or a variation thereof. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and most importantly, romantic figure. Fun Facts About Valentine's Day • According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (The first being Christmas with an estimated 2.6 billion cards being sent). • Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, France, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Gift Giving Ideas There's a lot out there to buy when it comes to Valentine's Day. Of course, there's the typical - and sometimes expected - gifts of flowers, chocolate, jewelry, lingerie, and teddy bears. But if you're looking for something more meaningful (and maybe less expensive), think about practical ways to show the one you love how much you appreciate them - on Valentine's Day and the rest of the year. That may mean cooking dinner for them, giving them a massage, spending the day or weekend with them, or making them a homemade card, picture frame, or any other crafty possibility. If you lack some creative ideas, or would rather purchase something for that special someone, check out gifts.com - they have everything from personalized gifts to romantic getaways to gift baskets. Enjoy finding something special for those that make you feel all warm and fuzzy. And remember, your love goes deeper than your wallet!