Thursday, February 10, 2011

More Valentine's Day-related History

• The ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia on February 14th in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of women and marriage.

• Many believe the 'X' symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who couldn't write their names signed in front of a witness with an 'X.' The 'X' was then kissed to show their sincerity.

• Girls of medieval times ate bizarre foods on St. Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future spouse.

• In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned onto their sleeves for one week for everyone to see. This was the origin of the expression "to wear your heart on your sleeve."

• In 1537, England's King Henry VII officially declared February 14th the holiday of St. Valentine's Day.

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