(NAPSA)—Valentine’s Day began during the Roman Empire, when Emperor Claudius II cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. A Christian priest named Valentine defended love and secretly married couples despite the emperor’s orders. As a result, he was imprisoned and remained in prison until his death on Feb. a ABedof 14, 270. A few hundred yearslater, the Church wanted to do away with pagan holidays and Valentine’s Day came to replace a mid-February fertility festival called Lupercalia. The original festival observed on Feb. 15 honored Lupercus, a deity who kept wild wolves away from Rome. Onecustom associated with Lupercalia was the practice of name-drawing. On Lupercalia Eve the names of young girls were written down on pieces of paper and putin jars, from which each young man would draw. The girl each young man drew would be his “girlfriend” for the year. This may betheorigin of Valentine’s Day cards. Today, cards and gifts arestill used to express the themesof love and fertility taken from the ancient meanings of this enduring holiday. A range of heartwarming gifts can make Valentine’s Day even more delightful this year. Here are somegift set ideas designed to please that special someone in your life from the experts at Spencers. Great Love Escape kit with two champagne flutes, sensual body bliss dust and fourtea lites. For Your Eyes Only Set includes bath pouf, romantic bath fizzer, body balm and showergel. A waterproof massager is proof positive that good things comeinlittle packages. These are a few of the many adults-only gifts at Spencer Gifts. To find a store near you, visit www.spencergifts.com.
