Valentine's Day Celebrated Through The Ages

Every Feb. 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.   

Though the history of this centuries-old holiday has been shrouded in mystery, we know that February has long been a month of romance and is widely celebrated today.

The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap."

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year and approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women.

This year, on Feb. 14, elementary, middle and senior school students all celebrated Valentine's Day in different ways. 

children made Valentine's from scraps of paper, glue and ribbon, then celebrated the day by passing them out to their classmates, eating pink and red decorated cupcakes and other sweets.

"I like all the candy and the games we get to play during our party at the end of the day," said first grader Meaghan, as she placed another chip on her Valentine's Day bingo board.

students were encouraged by The Association of Student Democracy (ADS) to partake in the purchase of pink, red and white carnations for one dollar each along with a heart-shaped tag with a note from the givers to express their love and friendship.

students also participated in the traditional presentation of roses to express the devotion, friendships and love to that special someone. Sponsored by the Gay and Straight Alliance (GSA) as a fundraiser, roses were sold for three dollars and handed out during class on Monday.

"This is a day to think about those you love and sharing with them that you appreciate their friendships," said senior Mike Benoit.

The day isn't all about love though.

"I am sort of a chocoholic," giggled Lauren. "So though I appreciate my friends and loved one on this special day, I am more about the sweets the day brings."

Whether the student received sweets, a simple Valentine, a colorful carnation or a beautiful rose, Valentine's Day was celebrated by showing those whom you care about that you appreciate their friendship and love.