Hearts, flowers and lace; yes, it’s that time of year when all things romantic start to appear for Valentine’s Day. It didn’t use to be this way, however — Valentine’s Day actually has a history steeped in anything but love and kisses.

As one story goes, historians believe Valentine’s Day commemorates the death of a Roman priest and patron saint, Saint Valentine. St. Valentine was arrested by emperor Claudius II for disobeying Claudius’s ban on marriage after Valentine was caught performing secret wedding ceremonies. Claudius had Saint Valentine sentenced to death. Other historians believe the source of Valentine’s Day is rooted in a pagan ritual devoted to fertility.

In the 1300s, Feb. 14 was officially designated a holiday, though not devoted to romance. It was not until the Middle Ages that it was associated with love. The English and French can be credited with this because of their belief that birds started their mating cycles on Feb. 14.

The 17th century saw the giving of red roses, symbolizing deep love. It became a popular thing to do during the Victorian era and continues today.

Valentine’s Day is expensive. According to the National Retail Foundation, Americans were expected to spend $27 billion in 2020, the most recent year for which figures are available, on their beloveds including candy, flowers and gifts.

The 1840s saw the first mass-produced commercial Valentine cards that people exchanged with friends and loved ones. They were quite elaborate, decorated with lace and ribbons. Going further back in history, according to History.com, the first known Valentine message on record was in 1415 from a French duke to his wife. Hallmark’s website states we will exchange 145 million Valentine’s Day cards, making it the second biggest holiday, exceeded only by Christmas, for exchanging cards. And who gets the most Valentine’s Day cards? Teachers!

Cupid started out in mythology as a handsome man — then morphed to Greek mythology’s god of love, Eros. Then the Romans adopted Eros, turning him into a cute little boy with a bow and arrow and giving him the power to make people fall in love. Almost six million couples will become engaged on Valentine’s Day.

The Cadbury candy company can be credited with producing the first heart-shaped box of chocolates. Introduced in 1861 to boost sales of candy, 36 million boxes of candy shaped like a heart are sold every year.

Lovebirds are real birds — they are a type of parrot indigenous to Africa. Since the birds are known to travel in pairs, this is the reason why couples are often referred to as “love birds.”

“Sealed with a kiss” is not just a lyric in a song. However, the letters XOXO didn’t always mean hugs and kisses. This, too, stems from the Middle Ages. According to the Washington Post, the “X” symbolized the Christian cross. Letters ended with the sign of the cross and a kiss to symbolize an oath. As it became more common in literature and paperwork it took on the meaning of “sealed with a kiss.”

Finally, William Shakespeare inspired a tradition that takes place in Verona, Italy, called “Letters to Juliet.” People from all over the world write letters addressed to Juliet Capulet, of Shakespeare’s tale “Romeo and Juliet.” Inspired by the 2010 movie “Letters to Juliet,” most letters are filled with love and emotion, but some with sadness and heartbreak. They are read by Juliet’s Secretaries, volunteers who respond to each letter. Then, a winner is chosen who gets to travel to Verona and Juliet’s home to attend a special ceremony.

Whichever traditions you choose to celebrate the day of love and romance, spend it with someone special. Happy Valentine’s Day!

If you are looking for a way to treat that special someone in your life closer to home, Vali’s Restaurant in Joseph is offering an “Aphrodisiac Menu.”

The meal begins with an appetizer of raw oysters, followed by an asparagus and avocado tartlet, tomato basil velouté (a creamy white sauce) with crabmeat ravioli, grilled sirloin flank steak with a peppercorn sauce, garlic confit and parsnip sauce. The intermezzo course, a course for cooling and rejuvenating the palate, is passion sorbet. Dessert is a raspberry rose mousse with chocolate almond dacquoise (a layer of meringue with ground nuts) and chocolate sauce.

Vali’s restaurant is located at 59811 Wallowa Lake Highway in Joseph. The meal is $75 per person and dinner is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 Reservations are required by February 6 and can be made by calling the restaurant at 541-432-5691. Seating is limited.