Cupid will strike his arrow yet again as Valentine’s Day hits lovers across the world next week.

Flashes of pink and red will be painted across the City, florists will be run off their feet, card shops will be packed with last minute shoppers and candy stores will be running on empty as the last boxes of chocolates are scooped up.

Yes, Valentine’s Day is a bit mushy and not for the faint of heart – lovers will have an extra bounce in their step, an extra sparkle in their eye and a smile on their face.

Even the youngsters get involved in the celebration on Feb. 14th with the excitement of giving and receiving their own Valentines from classmates and friends.

This is where the seeds of love begin.

It’s a fact that Valentine’s Day has become more commercial over the years – it is estimated that over one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent out each year. This makes it the second largest card-sending holiday of the year with Christmas taking the top spot.

Over 189 million roses are estimated to be purchased and thousands of chocolates will be consumed on this day as well. With all this commercial hype, we don’t think that should let lovers forget the real meaning.

This celebratory day is all in the name of St. Valentine. There are actually a few versions who St. Valentine was.

He has been described as a priest in Rome, a bishop of Interamna and a martyr in the Roman province of Africa.

Some believe Feb. 14th is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary St. Valentine’s death, which is thought to have happened around 270 A.D.

Others believe the Christian church may have celebrated St. Valentine’s feast in hopes of ‘Christianizing’ celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival.

The month of February in ancient Rome was the beginning of spring and was considered a time of purification. While not many people realize where Valentine’s Day originated, it is still celebrated, just in a different manner.

Often, the single folks dread this ‘love-filled’ day. However, it’s not only a day for only couples to celebrate. Don’t let the happiness of Valentine’s Day get you down. It doesn’t have to be just about falling in love.

Beat the blues by getting together with friends and family. And if you like, ponder new ways to find that special someone. That way, next Valentine’s Day you may very well have some company.