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Cupid
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Cupid, another symbol of the holiday, became associated with it
because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty.
Cupid
has always played a role in the celebrations of love and lovers.
He is known as a mischievous, winged child, whose arrows who would
pierce the hearts of his victims causing them to fall deeply in
love. In ancient Greece he was known as Eros the young son of
Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. To the Roman's he was
Cupid, and his mother Venus.
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| Valentine's
Day |
 Valentine's
Day, a holiday honoring love and lovers, is celebrated on February
14th. Across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged
between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.
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History
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There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day.
Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman
who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died
on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to
love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell
note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and
signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say
that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the
reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed
for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February
14 to honor St. Valentine.
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Valentine's
Card
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 The
first Valentine card grew out of this practice. The first true
Valentine card was sent in 1415 by Charles, duke of Orleans, to
his wife. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London at the time.
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Rose
|
 The
rose is the official National Floral Emblem of the United States.
This legislation was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan
on November 20, 1986. George Washington, first U.S. President, was
also the first U.S. rose breeder. A red rose is the flower of Eros
(Cupid). Red roses stand for "I love you." |
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Chinese
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The
seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar
is known as Qi Qiao Jie, or Chinese Valentine's Day. This is
a day devoted to love. There are many versions of the origins
of Chinese Valentine's Day. One legend involves the Goddess
of Heaven and her seven daughters.
This
day is also called The Begging Festival or The Daughter's Festival,
which is an important day for girls. In the evening girls would
prepare melons, fruits and worship, praying that their wishes
for a good marriage will become true.
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