Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours...did you know?

Steeped in ideas of love and romance, February 14 is celebrated as St. Valentine's day in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Flowers, cards and sweets will be bought and given by the millions. But, of course, the most important are the ones that you give and receive.

Did you know that even Google's Doodle today is an homage to this special day. It is a version of Robert Indiana's first "LOVE" design in 1964 for a Museum of Modern Art Christmas card. An image that has been replicated on many different items since, Indiana's work was selected by the United States Postal Service for its first "love" stamp in 1973. One of the larger of Indiana's works in this theme is made of Cor-ten steel and measures 144 by 144 by 72 inches and has been undergoing extensive renovation, according the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Historically Valentine's day and its namesake, Saint Valentine, have been spared no end of confusing and contradictory stories.  The commonalities of the many tales appear to be that the traditions started in ancient Rome and that the Christians and the Catholic Church took it forward from there.

For those of you who would like to delve into this subject you might like to start with.... History; St. Valentine's organization; and Wikipedia.

We hope you enjoy this bouquet for your Valentine's Day and that you receive many more.

Share your special valentine's day times, history and views with the rest the Our Urban Times readers by commenting below.