Hapy Valentive's Day!

First of all I want to wish you all

Happy Valentine's Day!

In most parts of Europe, England excepted, Valentine's Day is not celebrated to such a large extent as in the States. It is an imported holiday due to the influence of American culture, though merchants and the flower industry do everything in their power to spread it all over the world. It is more a commercial ploy than a holiday.

In traditionally Catholic countries like France, Valentine's Day is known simply as "Saint Valentin", and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries.

What I find interesting is that Saint Valentines is not a Saint any more; according to Wikipedia:
"Saint Valentine's Day was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, and was later deleted from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI."

In many countries Valentine's Day has various versions of regional customs.
In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, celebrated on February 24.

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."

~ Mother Teresa

See last year's Valentine's rose too.