The ancient Greeks and Romans loved well and fought hard.

Although they are the ones credited with putting the power in Cupid’s arrows, Valentine’s Day actually got its name from a Christian martyr of the same name. St. Valentine was imprisoned for marrying soldiers against the decree of the Roman emperor Claudius II. The formidable emperor believed that single men made better soldiers.

Nothing fans the flames of love like forced celibacy and the soldiers willing to take the risk sought out Valentine to marry them.

The day’s association with romantic love took hold sometime during the Middle Ages when lovers began expressing their love for each other with flowers, sweets, poetry and jewels. Where there is love there are jewels, for this we are thankful!