LOWELL

158 Wood St, Unit 3

Lowell, MA 01851

(978) 677-2114

BILLERICA

700 Boston Rd.

Billerica, MA 01821

(978) 362-1970

METHUEN

49 Jackson St.

Methuen, MA 01844

(978) 258-2377

HAVERHILL

400 Lowell Ave.

Haverhill, MA 01832

(978) 914-6333

EVERETT

1795 Revere Beach Parkway

Everett, MA 02149

(617) 294-2600

CHELSEA

110 Park Street Unit 1

Chelsea, MA 01250

617-466-2277

LYNN

742 Western Ave.

Lynn, MA 01905

(781) 671 5005

CHELSEA

110 Park Street Unit 1

Chelsea, MA

617-466-2277

The Origins of Valentine's Day

When we think of Valentine’s Day, we think of cards, flowers, and chocolates. We think of girlfriends celebrating being single together and couples celebrating their relationship. We think of all things pink and red taking over every pharmacy and grocery store imaginable. But what the doctor and our team would like to think of is when and how this joyous, love-filled day began.

Several martyrs’ stories are associated with the origins of Valentine’s Day. One of the most widely known suggests that Valentine was a Roman priest who went against the law at a time when marriage had been banned for young men. He continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young lovers in secret and when he was discovered, he was sentenced to death.

Another tale claims that Valentine was killed for helping Christians escape from Roman prisons. Yet another says that Valentine himself sent the first valentine when he fell in love with a girl and sent her a letter and signed it, “From your Valentine.”

Other claims suggest that it all began when Geoffrey Chaucer, an Englishman often referred to as the father of English literature, wrote a poem that was the first to connect St. Valentine to romance. From there, it evolved into a day when lovers would express their feelings for each other. Cue the flowers, sweets, and cards!

Regardless of where the holiday came from, these stories all have one thing in common: They celebrate the love we are capable of as human beings. And though that’s largely in a romantic spirit these days, it doesn’t have to be. You could celebrate love for a sister, a friend, a parent, even a pet.

We hope all our patients know how much we love them! Wishing you all a very happy Valentine’s Day from the team at Excel Dental of Lowell!