St. Valentine's Day

It is a day for lovers to exchange tokens of love-candy, flowers, engagement rings and champagne. But its origin dates back to the third century Rome.

According to the most popular legend, the day is a tribute to St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop, who was performing marriages for young lovers in secret. Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriages for young men because single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families.

Valentine was sentenced to death.

However, before he died Valentine sent the first 'valentine'. While in prison,Valentine fell in love with the jailor's daughter and wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine.'

Engagement Rings

Traditionally, the engagement, or betrothal ring, was a partial payment for the bride as well as a pledge of the groom's intentions. The expense of the ring was symbolic of the groom's wealth and his trust in the bride handling his money.

Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the diamond reflected the flames of love because they believed diamonds were splinters from the tip of Eros', the god of love, arrows.

The 'fire' of the diamond symbolizes innocence and purity, and the circular band symbolizes eternal love and perfection.

Every year, 2.2 million marriages take place in the United States. That means 6,000 a day.

Flowers

The rose was sacred to Venus, the Greek goddess of love. It symbolizes peace and war, love and forgiveness and passion.

For Valentine's Day, about 110 million roses will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period during the holiday.

Champagne

La Champagne, France is a region of timeless natural beauty and world famous vineyards. For centuries, champagne was the only wine considered worthy of an offering to God and kings.

Today, champagne is considered the most romantic wine, and the most often toasted with loved ones.

Popping the cork on Valentine's Day has become its own tradition.

Tradition

When the Puritan's settled in the Virginia, fruits had to be shipped from overseas, therefore, they were very expensive and exotic gifts to offer one in exchange for a courtship.

Now chocolate has taken its place in heart boxes and red wrappers.

In 2003, each American gobbled more than 24 pounds of candy, a large potion believed to be consumed during Valentine's Day.