World of Food Craft: Valentine's day comes round again!

Valentine's day; a day for lovers, a day for businesses and corporations to "rake in the dough," and for some a historical reminder of a past that was a tad more gory than many would care to acknowledge... Valentine's day - love it or hate it, it is truly a major holiday observed by millions every February. Chocolate sales abound, lover's cards fly off the shelves and roses seem to sprout out of the woodwork! According to history.com Valentine's day is the second-most popular card sending holiday (after Christmas!)... So where did this holiday come from? Why are we so susceptible to its charms?

I found a very interesting article covering the history of Valentine's day and it's patron saints on History.com (http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day - check it out!) in summation: essentially the origin of Valentine's day comes from early Roman and christian sources, perhaps even some early pagan origins as well. The Catholic religion has at least three martyred saints known as Valentine, one of whom dates back to the Roman Emperor Claudius II, whence Valentine was supposed to be a priest who refused to acknowledge the Emperor's law that soldiers must not marry (because single men supposedly made better soldiers). Valentine continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies for young couples, however Emperor Claudius somehow found out Valentine's secret and had Valentine put to death... A martyr for love?

Other stories tell of a young Valentine who helped Christians escape Roman prisons. Valentine might have fallen in love with one of the prison-keeper's daughters, giving her one of (if not the very first) valentine note. He supposedly signed it "from your Valentine" which, as we know, is a common term in today's version of the holiday.

Could Valentine's day have had Pagan beginnings? There is also a legend that the Christian religion wanted to "Christianize" a Pagan festival of fertility known as Lupercalia. Lupercalia was outlawed by Christianity in the 5th century and officially declared St. Valentine's Day February 14th.

In America valentine's were exchanged since before the country was, well a country! Mass produced cards first truly appeared in the 1840's by Esther Howland, known as the "Mother of the Valentine." It was a pretty straight shot from that point, to where we are today.

My husband and I have never really fallen into the "Valentine's Day" consumerist trap, instead we quietly observe the day by making a tasty, home-cooked meal followed by something sweet and delicious, and then some quality time together. This year there were no roses bought, no chocolates exchanged and no fancy dinner out - and it was one of the best Valentine's days ever!

We began by making a delicious dinner of fresh thai spring rolls, pan fried tofu with sweet and sour sauce, and a big green salad - deelish! We followed this with some coconut "ice cream" and hot coffee. I must say that out tummies were happy after that meal!