Date:
2/7/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Britt Hochhausler
PORTALES – It is only a few days before Valentine's Day and love is in the air at Eastern New Mexico University.
There are many theories about how Valentine's Day started. It is known that the holiday is named after St. Valentine, but the Catholic Church has canonized at least three martyred saints named Valentine, leaving the history of Valentine's Day somewhat mysterious.
One story contends that Valentine sent the first "Valentine" to a girl while imprisoned and signed it "From Your Valentine." Another legend says that during the Middle Ages, Feb. 14 was commonly known as the beginning of the birds' mating season, so that day was chosen to celebrate romance.
Whatever the history, Valentine's Day still has a contemporary presence in many people's schedule.
Jana Small, Business Office cashier, doesn't know what she is doing for Valentine's Day.
"My two sons and I will probably make a candlelit dinner for my husband. One time I made heart-shaped biscuits for Valentine's Day breakfast. We usually don't do anything for Valentine's Day."
Vanessa Chiaramonte, senior communication major, does not have expensive plans for Valentine's Day.
"I am spending Valentine's day with my boyfriend. We don't really have any money so we are renting movies and making popcorn."
Even ENMU President Steven Gamble has plans for Valentine's Day. According to Alma Lyle Bilberry, executive secretary to the president, President Gamble will be taking care of business as usual in his office and then attending "Arsenic and Old Lace" in the University Theater Center with his parents.
Ms. Bilberry's Valentine's Day will be bittersweet.
"I will be in Albuquerque with my husband who is having eye surgery, but after 42 years of marriage, at least we'll be together."