In addition to being American Heart Month, February is also home to Valentine’s Day, as we know. But how much do we know about the history of this day? Sure, we shower our seniors and caregivers with flowers and candy, but why? 

It turns out that we don’t definitively know how it started. One theory is that in the mid third century, the Roman Emperor Claudius II decided that his soldiers should not be allowed to marry, because he believed that Rome should be their first love and all devotion should be given to the empire and emperor. Clearly, he did not truly value the idea that his people may need to help family members and provide services for seniors, or serve as caregivers instead of being a soldier. Valentine (who eventually was anointed St. Valentine), began to secretly marry young lovers and was imprisoned for this. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young woman—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

This tradition continues to be celebrated all over the world, in a variety of ways. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written valentines didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. It is a time to recognize the important people that you care so much about: senior helpers, caregivers, anyone who provides senior assistance.

2020 was a year like no other, making this February 14th a day to recognize and truly celebrate love for our family, friends, front line workers, home care providers, and others who make our lives whole. Take the time to acknowledge those who really helped you through this past year, and maybe someone who is elderly and isolated. 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

In addition to being American Heart Month, February is also home to Valentine’s Day, as we know. But how much do we know about the history of this day? Sure, we shower our seniors and caregivers with flowers and candy, but why?