While out shopping in cold – but shortened – February, mulling over what to get your sweetheart, your thoughts might wander into the romantic realm. Just who is St. Valentine, anyway, and why are we celebrating February 14?
Here’s your chance to prove your love (by knowing why you’re buying and celebrating)!
According to the History Channel, the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky; yet the stories clearly emphasize St. Valentine’s appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and most importantly, romantic figure.
St. Valentine seems to be a composite of several romantic themes intertwined with the developing Christianity amidst Roman times. One such scenario has Roman Emperor Claudius II deciding that married men do not make good soldiers, so he banned marriage in order to attract a full army. Valentine, or Velentinus, a local priest, secretly performed marriages when young men and women requested them. Other legends elevate Valentine to the role of Bishop, or have him helping Christians escape the harsh prison treatment of Ancient Rome, or even have Valentine in prison, himself, falling in love with the jailer’s daughter. Yet all resolutely conclude with the tragic death of Valentine at the hands of Emperor Claudius II.
Our romantic martyr died on February 14, 269 A.D.
One last legend: St. Valentine left a last, and lasting, love note to that jailer’s daughter, signing, “From Your Valentine.”
Now, what to get your Valentine!
There’s always the tried-and-true, good for both men and women: flowers and candy. And if you’re creative and daring: lingerie, cologne and jewelry. If you’re much more practical (and your Sweetie would greet that with a smile!), other gifts conjure up these suggestions: clothing (athletic and business casual attire) and video/audio products. Participating stores on Bergenline Avenue include: Vihan (men’s clothing, between 60th and 61st), Michael’s Jewelers (between 62nd and 63rd), Mandee’s (between 57th and 58th), Wet New York Florist at 60th, Panda Shoes (between 60th and 61st), Health Center Pharmacy at 62nd, Daisy at 49th, Caram (men’s clothing at 57th, Easy Pickins (ladies’ clothing at 58th), Loft’s (between 60th and 61st) and Modell’s at 58th. At Kennedy Boulevard and 52nd Street, PC. Richards (electronics).
West New York welcomes shoppers on Sundays – with the added attraction of no sales tax on clothing, and, since Bergenline Avenue is an Urban Enterprise Zone, a 3 percent sales tax at participating locations. Plenty of parking is available in the town of West New York, with over five municipal parking lots and metered parking along its stretch on Bergenline Avenue between 49th and 67th Streets. For more information on the WNY UEZ, call Oscar Miqueli, (201) 295-5289.
One last legend: St. Valentine left a last, and lasting, love note to that jailer’s daughter, signing, “From Your Valentine.”