History of Valentine's Day, a time to remember loved ones

FALLBROOK – Area residents can celebrate Valentine’s Day this year in a big way. For instance, Heidi McLaughlin, owner of Yard Greetings Unlimited, can create and temporarily install an eight-foot tall greeting card for that special someone. For a reasonable rental fee, these personalized and vibrant greetings can help anyone surprise his or her loved ones on February 14.

Be it for a sweetheart, parents, grandparents or friends, Yard Greetings Unlimited has a unique flair in getting any special message across. McLaughlin has created many eye-catching looks, especially those that read: Will you marry me?

Some say that Valentine’s Day originated in Rome on February 14, 269 AD, when the patron saint of love, Valentine, died.

Glancing back into history, Valentine was a priest who opposed a decree ordered by Emperor Claudius II to ban marriages as unmarried men supposedly made better soldiers. Valentine continued on with the ceremonies. When the Emperor discovered the defiance, he sentenced Valentine to death.

Others say, while Valentine was imprisoned, he fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Before his execution, he sent her a love letter and signed it, “Your Valentine.”

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated since the Middle Ages. And in some museums across the globe, greeting cards can be seen which date back to 1415.

While the origin of Valentine’s Day may be debated, one thing is for certain. It’s a popular time for sending memorable messages of love.

So this year, in addition to those candies and flowers purchases, have McLaughlin create a personalized Yard Greetings Unlimited card, to tell that special someone “I Love You.”

For more information, visit http://www.YardGreetingsUnlimted.com or call (760) 630- SIGN (7446).