Younglearnersx blogspot is the best website forever!

Many people would like prefer Facebook as their favorite website. For me my best website is www.younglearnersx.blogpot.com. This website have many advantages to the students like me. This website is a website that the students can show their opinion and show their knowledge to the world. Also this website help students to learn and earn more knowledge from the other people. This website was shown all over the world. Students can improved their writing by this blog. On the other hand students use their brain more useful and also they can become a very creative person by this.

Even this are all the best advantages but there was some disadvantages about this website. This website is not really popular in the world and it was just used by the students from the same class or the same school. Also we can't really made friends or connecting with other people by this website.

This website is used by the teachers from A.C.E and some students from A.C.E. Not only this people, my friends and me also used this website to improve English. For me this website is great I really enjoy my writing on the blog and I wondered that my English is much more better than before.

I think that in the next 10 years this website maybe disappear but if continue to use and upload it more we can see this website. This website is really easy to use it just a step to learn about this website. I hope I can continue to use this website. I also hope that after u read this post you will join or enjoy with this website thank!

Classic Honda Accord

Honda Accord is the series of mid-sizes automobile. It was manufactured by Honda in 1976. Honda is a Japanese and it was known as a manufacturer of auto mobile and motorcycle. It was the world largest in 1959. Honda produce more than 14 million internal combustion engine. Honda accord was divided into 8th generation.

The first generation was launched in May 7 1976 as 3 doors hatch back with 68hp (51kilowatt), a 93.7 inch (2,380.0mm) wheelbase and weight is about 2,000 pounds. In 1978 an LX version of the coupe was added which came with air conditioning, a digital clock, and power steering. In 1979 a four-door sedan was added to the lineup, and power went to 72 hp (54 kW) when the 1,599 cc (97.6 cu in).The shifter was redesigned to have a stronger spring to prevent unintentional engagement of reverse, replacing the spring-loaded shift knob of the 1976 through 1980 model cars.


The second generation was debuted on September 22 in Japan and in Europeand as a 1982 model in North America, this generation of the Accord being produced in Japan, became the first to also be built in the U.S.Modernizing both the interior and exterior, the second generation Accord was mechanically very similar to the original, using the same 75 hp (56 kW), 1,751 cc (1.751 L; 106.9 cu in) . Fuel economy increased by nearly 15%. Vastly improved quality control however, made this one of the most reliable cars on the U.S. market, a position it still holds today. In 1983, Honda upgraded the automatic transmission to a four speed, a major improvement over the earlier, three speed 'Hondamatic' transmission. The manual five speed transmission remained unchanged. A new 120 mph (190 km/h) speedometer replaced the earlier 85 mph (137 km/h) unit.In 1985, the Special Edition returned as the SE-i, capitalizing on the final year of the second generation's production. A fuel-injected, 110 bhp (82 kW) non-CVCC ES3 engine was exclusive to this model. The moniker, SE-i, was adapted from the SE trim, but included the "-i" to signify the higher trim level's fuel-injected engine. This 12-valve, 1,829 cc (1.829 L 111.6 cu in) engine was the first non-CVCC engine used in an Accord, and was the same basic engine design used by Honda until 1989.

The third generation was introduced in Japan on June 4 1985 and in Europe and the U.S in 1986.The third generation Accord became the first Honda to employ double-wishbones at both the front and rear ends—a layout that spread to the Legend, Civic and Prelude in 1988 and the Integra in 1990. While more expensive than competitors' McPherson Strut systems, this setup provided better stability and sharper handling for the vehicle. All had front sway bars and upper models had rear sway bars as well. Brakes were either small 4-wheel discs with twin-piston calipers (only available on the JDM 2.0-Si model ), larger 4-wheel discs with single piston calipers, or a front disc/rear drum system. ABS was available as an option on the 4-wheel disc brake models, though not in North America. Base model Accords rode on 13-inch steel wheels with hubcaps with more expensive models having the option of 14-inch alloy wheels.

A larger Honda Accord based on the "CB" chassis was launched in Japan. This generation ( the 4th generation) was the first not to feature a three-door model, and the first one to be exclusively sold by the Honda Clio dealer network in Japan. A sister car, called the Honda Ascot, differing only slightly from the JDM Accord sedan, was launched for sale in Honda Primo stores that also carried previous-generation Accords.For this fourth generation Accord, Honda made significant engineering design improvements. All Accords sold in North America came with a completely new all aluminium 2.2 liter 16-valve electronic fuel injected engine standard, replacing the previous 2.0 liter 12-valve model from the past generation.Accords received a minor facelift for the 1992 model year. The SE trim was dropped again but left behind its 140 hp (104 kW) F22A6 engine for use in the EX model. This engine added 15 hp over the DX-LX trims and 10 hp over the 90-91 EX trim due to a further revised exhaust system. The system used the same EX-SE twin outlet muffler, a revised air intake tract, a revised camshaft and a revised intake manifold using IAB butterfly valves which open at 4600 rpm to increase air intake breathing at high rpm. It was similar in design to the 92-96 Prelude Si and VTEC models. For the 1992 and 1993 model years, the awkward motorized shoulder belt system were replaced with a standard driver-side air bag and conventional shoulder/seatbelt arrangement for all but the center rear passenger. Anti-Lock 4-wheel disc brakes became standard on the EX. Honda's 10th anniversary is in 1993Edition sedan to commemorate the 10th year of U.S. Accord production. The 10th Anniversary Edition was based on the Accord LX sedan but came equipped with several features not available in the LX trim. The upgrades included ABS, 4 wheel disc brakes, 16" EX coupe six spoke alloy wheels, body colored side moldings, chin spoiler, and standard automatic transmission. Three colors were offered for the 10th Anniversary Edition: Frost White, Granada Black Pearl, and Arcadia Green Pearl.

In 1994 the 5th generation was invaded and was moved to yet a larger CD chassis , primarily to better suit the requirements of the North American market. It grew in width but oddly shrunk in length, leaving it classified as a in North America. All Accord models received a more ergonomic interior with standard safety features such as dual airbags and reinforced side-impact beams. Exclusive to the EX was the F22B1 Sohc VTEC version by Butch Mariano of previous generations 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (making 145 hp (108 kW) up from 140 hp (104 kW) the previous generation EX), antilock brakes (now an option for the LX), 4-wheel disc brakes, 15" alloy wheels, and a rear stabilizer bar. Leather was an option in the EX trim with leather equipped models now being referred to as EX-L. DX and LX models came equipped similarly to the previous generation and were fitted with a revised version of the previous generation's 2.2 liter non-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. This F22B2 engine was rated at 130 hp (97 kW) up from 125 hp (93 kW) the previous generation. The Accord was again named Motor trend Import Car of the Year for 1994.In 1995, the Accord debuted a V6 engine, the 2.7L c27 borrowed from the first generation Acura Legend, in the U.S. market. In 1996, the Accord underwent the usual mid-generation facelift. More rounded bumpers, a slightly modified front fascia with new signal lights and rear taillights gave the Accord a softer look.

For the sixth generation, Honda split the Accord into three separate models, designed for the Japanese, North American, and European markets. However, the wagon was discontinued in North America while the coupe was discontinued in Japan.he SiR-T model included a 2.0L F20B engine rated 200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp) at 7200rpm (180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) automatic) and 144.5 lb·ft (196 N·m) at 6600rpm, 11.0.1 compression, 85 mm X 88 mm (Bore and Stroke) 7800 rpm redline. The H-series DOHC VTEC engines were limited to 7800 RPMs. The F20B had a unique blue valve cover and like all the larger displacement Honda engines, the F20B was mounted with a tilt towards the driver. F20B engines could rev at higher rpms than H22As because it had a shorter stroke. The F20B had an 85mmX88mm (bore and stroke) when compared to an H22A which had a 87mmX90.7mm (bore and stroke). The F20B is also qualified as a low emissions engine.Accord SiR (CF4, 1997-2002)

The Accord SiR was based on the SiR-T, but used the S-Matic automatic transmission. The engine was rated at 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) but with better midrange characteristics.

Moving the gear-stick over to the right allows manual selection of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear using up and down shift actions just like the sequential gearboxes used on the JGTC NSX. When a particular gear is selected, the gear stays in position at all rpm. When pushed against the rev-limiter, the engine would bounce against it just like a manual. However, the gear ratios for each gear were the same as the normal mode. The transmission still worked like a normal automatic transmission in all other operating modes.

The seventh generation of the Accord was launched in 2002 (2003 model year in North America), and consists of two separate models; one for the Japanese and European markets, and the other for North America. The North American Accord grew in size yet again, becoming a vastly different car than its Japanese and European counterpart. This generation was available in both coupe and sedan forms, while a hybrid model was introduced in 2005. In 2006, it was significantly updated. This generation Accord was the first to use wheels with five lug nuts instead of the traditional four on 4-cylinder models. In 2003, Honda began to offer a more aggressive Accord Coupe, equipped with the 240 HP J30A4 2997cc V6 mated to a 6-speed manual transmission borrowed from the Acura CL Type S. This coupe came with 17" wheels, strut tower bar, perforated leather seating, carbon fiber dash pieces, and an upgraded 180 watt stereo system. Because of the ability to maintain activation of the VTEC system all the way through hard acceleration, the Accord EX V6 6-speed ran from 0-60 MPH in just under 6 seconds, over a second faster than the automatic version. In 2006, Honda offered this engine and transmission combination in the sedan, which only lasted through 2007.

The Eight generation is represented on 2008 until now. The updated Honda Accord for the Japanese and European markets went on sale in mid-2008. It is also sold as the Accord Euro in the Australia and New Zealand markets, and as the Acura TSXin North America. It is available as both a sedan and a station wagon. In the People's Republic of China, a version of the sedan is sold as the Spirior. Production started in August 2009 in GuangZhou, China.The North American version of the Accord remains a larger and different styled car than its Japanese, Chinese and European counterpart. This shape is sold as the Honda Inspire in Japan. Larger than the previous model, the sedan is now classified as a full side by EPA standards. A coupe version is available, as well as a Cross Tour Fast back model. In Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, this car, assembled in Thailand, is sold as the Honda Accord in left or right hand drive forms. In China, Guangqi Honda also makes this vehicle with 2.0L, 2.4L and 3.5L engines. Guangqi began making the Accord Crosstour in 2010.

Niki's Fashionable Blog!

Hi! I'm Niki, and I'm a junior high school student in Cambodia. Here are some popular fashions I like and in my neighborhood. Let check it out! What do you think about it?

Many girls wear a dark legging, but I don't liked it. I think they're ugly and unattractive. I like a knee-high boots. They are expensive but they are popular, valuable and attractive too. They also can keep protect our skin from sunlight too. I also like a brand name sandal too. It expensive but it cool and comfortable. I like a shoes that is import from European countries and from U.S.A. Example like Dior, Nike, Adidas....

Some guys like a baggy pants, but I don't like them. I think they're ugly and it not valuable. My brother wears a brand name trouser and the oxford shoes. He says it look like an old people but it in the high-class.

On the other hand many people love wearing the watch that is cheap but in low quality and some they like to wear a cartoon watch. I think they're unattractive. I like a brand name and superior watch. I think it great and comfortable. My brother too he love wearing a watch.

However let talk about the belt and the wallet. I really love it. The belt is also the important things to the clothes attraction. We should choose the best. I think the belt that I often see is Louis Vuitton and also the wallet. Many people also like Gucci belt.
Now let talk about the sunglasses and the tie. I like a sunglasses that is very popular and in high quality. I think the green glasses also look great. On the other hand we should buy the sunglasses that look attractive.





This is all about my neighbor hood and my fashion. I hope you will giving your opinion on this and please giving me some advise if I said something wrong! Thanks!

The father of Cambodian Poetry

Ouk Ou or Phirum Ngoy was known as Krom Ngoy, HE was considered as a father of Cambodian Poetry. Only 2 other poetry came close to his caliber that was Ouknha Suttanprija and Sonthor mok.His pros and prose and poems, sung in the forms of songs, such as the Law for Men and Women and Krom Ngoys Will, have been used as guides for many people throughout the country in raising their children. Many of his poems, which often aimed at guiding the people about their life, raising their children and about the preservation of the Khmer culture and literature, were used as texts at many Cambodian schools. Krom Ngoy comes to symbolist as a Khmer icon during his time and afterward. His poems rhymed so perfect. They mesmerism and hypnotize and captivate the audiences imagination when sang in the forms of the Chapei songs (singing while the singer plays a guitar-like instrument at the same time). As he had made a mark in the Cambodian literature history and being the icon of Khmer poetry his life accounts must be recorded, hence comes about the publication of his biography below:


Languages master Ou was born in the Christian era of 1865 THE BUDDHIST ERA OF 2408 in Aundoung Svay Kombul commune Phnom Penh District Kandal Province.His father name Ouk was the chief of Kombul commune with the royal title Chao Ponhea Dhamar Theara.Chao Ponhea Ouk had a family lineage with the Lord Poc whose descendants ruled as the lord-governors of Batammbang province from 1796 until 1907. His mothers name was Eang who was a daughter of Chao Ponhea Mok, the chief of Spean Thmor commune of the same district (Phnom Penh). Both his father and mother were the second children in their respective family.

During his childhood he studied mathematics and literature at Beoung chak temple at berk skor village beak chan commune and in his native district. He was very studious child. He had been ordained as a Buddhist novice in the village temple. A few years later he left the monkhood in order to work for his parents. He also served as a secretary to his father in his capacity as a tax collector for the royal treasury. When he was 21 years old he was once again ordained as a senior monk in his old temple under the guidance of Mr. Sass, Venerable Chrouk and Venerable Oung as his religious teachers. Venerable Ou (krom Ngoy) learned about the Buddhist teachings and learned how to translate the Buddhist Scripture, The Tripitaka, first under the guidance of Venerable Tith, a high priest of Ang Boeng Chork Temple. After that he went to practise Vipassana (meditation) with religious teachers in various places.


He had stayed in monkshood for 5 years. Later on he went and work with his father as a secretary. Once again when he was 21 he was ordained as a senior monk at his old Temple.After his monk hood he went to help his father again as the legal adviser. Then he become a farmer.

He was a talent poet who has ability to remember about ancient story both religious and non religious. He was as well talented musician and singer. He was skillfully played the skea deav (similar to guitar but only have 1 string. The villagers loved his Chapei song (the kind of prose which was sung while the singer was playing the Sadeav guitar at the same time) and they considered him as a scholar by presenting him a title of Phirum Ngoy, Ngoy the language master. Ngoy, the language master was a big man with bulging belly who liked to have his hair cut short and growing his moustache. He liked to wear a Chorng Kben skirt, wearing a round-necked shirt with big buttons, wearing thongs and wearing a birds nest-like hat. Wherever he goes he always brought his walking stick and carrying his bag hanging from his shoulder. When he sang his poems he always play the Ksedeav (guitar-like instrument) along as well. His Ksedeav can be disassemble at any time and re-assemble as quickly as possible when he needed to play it. When he need to sing his Chapei song he will take out a gourd shell from his bag, join it with his walking stick, attach the strings from the gourd shell to the end of his walking stick to build an instant guitar with a very nice sound.

In Winter, after he finished with his farm works, he was always invited by villagers, from near and afar, to sing or chant for their festival events. He never charge the people for his performances but because they loved him and his performances they always collected the money and the rice from the villagers to give to him. When he travelled through Phnom Penh he always stayed at the Ounnalom Temple (the headquarter of the Cambodian Buddhist Patriarch) in order to use the opportunity to discuss about various religious issues with the senior Buddhist monks who resided at the temple.
The topics of his poetic songs or religious chants were always talked about the current issues of that time, such as the following topics:

1. About life as farmers
2. About the traditional marriage arrangements.
3. About poverty and its reasons.
4. About the lack of education and the illiteracy of the Khmer people.
5. About the lack of enthusiasm in ones works.
6. About the divisions and conflicts, in both the lay-people and the clerics circles.
7. About foreign repression and oppression of the Khmer people.
8. About the lack of Khmer independence.
9. About the survival of the Khmer culture and Khmer literature.

His reputation as a talented poet has been told to our King (Sisowath. Our king majesty invited him to sing for him in the Royal Palace.King Sisowath admired his poetry skills and he invited Ou to join the Royal Band and presented him with the royal title of Ou, the language master. But because there was someone in the Royal Band named Ou already His Majesty asked everyone to call him Ngoy instead, so as not to be confused with the other Ou. Since then he was called Ngoy or Krom Ngoy (Ngoy, the expert).

Ngoys reputation as a poetry expert was not confined in within Cambodia alone, it has spread to the Kingdom of Thailand as well. The Siamese prince named Krom Pra Thamrung Rajanupharp and a French man named Coedes had an audience with King Sisowath. During the musical performances for the two foreign guests in the royal palace Krom Ngoy had outperformed the other musicians with his Ksedeav. His reputation had spread to the people of Thailand. The Thai King sent a royal letter to the Khmer King asking for a royal permission to invite Krom Ngoy to sing for him in Bangkok. Krom Ngoy went to Thailand for three months and received a cordial royal reception from the Thai King and his officials. The Thai King then presented him with a title as the language master phai roh leou kern (the master of the voice). The King also presented him with silver buttons, money and other paraphernalia.


There was a story circulated around that when Krom Ngoy returned to Cambodia through Battambang he met another skillful poetry singer named Phirum Yu, Yu the language master. Because he had heard that Phirum Ngoy was a skillful poetry singer Phirum Yu asked him for a competition. In the song Pirum Yu asked Phirum Ngoy where is Meru Mountain? Where is it located? How high is it? How far is it from here? Phirum Ngoy replied if you are so curious like this, do you want me to tell you the truth or do you want me to lie? Phirum Yu retorted that I asked in a bonafide therefore you, Phirum Ngoy must answer in bonafide. So Phirum Ngoy answered how big, how tall and how far was SoMeru Mountain from Battambang and if Phirun Yu did not believe him he must go and see it for himself. Phirum Yu responded that he believed what Phirum Ngoy had just described to him. So, in return, Phirum Ngoy asked Phirum Yu how far is Battambang Market from Phnom Penh if one travels by road? And how many kilometres if one travels by way of Tonle Sap river? Phirum Yu cannot answer. Phirum Ngoy then sang by throwing critical sarcastic comments at Phirum Yu that a place and a country where you used to live, you cannot answer me. And you asked me a place where I had never been to. Even if I lied to you, you wouldn't know if I lied or not. Phirum Ngoy continued to throw critical sarcastic comments at Phirum Yu until he felt so embarrassed and walked off the stage. The audience enjoyed the poetic exchanges and cheered for Phirum Ngoy when Phirum Yu walked off the stage. The governor of Battambang presented Phirum Ngoy with winning trophies of one white horse and 400 riels in cash (a huge sum at that time). Started from that day non of other singer want to try their knowledge with him. Only his good friends and his special duet can face up with him on the state. Later after that, Mr. Coedes introduced Phirum Ngoy to Miss Suzanne Karpeles, who was the director of the Buddhist Institute in Phnom Penh. In 1930 Miss Suzanne Karpeles asked Phirum Ngoy to sing all his poetry songs again so that the scholars at the Buddhist Institute can record and publish them in books. As a reward Miss Karpeles gave Phirum Ngoy 1 riels in cash as a token of his love for the Khmer culture. In order to preserve his masterpiece the Buddhist Institute published his poetry into four books and later combined them into only one book.
In fact Phirum Ngoy had verbally authored many poetry songs which were not published in books because Phirum Ngoy, the poet, just sang from his mouth and did not write his poetry on papers. His masterpieces which we had found in books to this present day are:

1. Chbab Laboek Thmey (the law of the new prose- a ballad of four rhyming words) 1922.
2. Chbab Kekal Thmey (the law of the new inheritance- a poem of 4, 5 and 6 rhyming words) 1922.
3. The Advice on Life (a poem of 7 rhyming words)- 1931
4. The Law for Men and Women (a poem of 7 rhyming words)- dates unknown.
5. Bandam Krom Ngoy (Krom Ngoys poem of 7 rhyming words) dates unknown.

Language master Ou (Phirum Ngoy) was married to Mrs. In and had six sons. They are 1. Dong, 2. Cheng, 3. Cha, 4. Chen, 5. Chong and, 6.Chev.
Among his six sons there was one son who inherited his poetry skills. He was Chong, the sixth son who was respectfully called Achar Chong. (Achar meaning a learned man). There were some people who knew that Phirum Ngoy had one grandson who inherited his poetry skills and became the Ayai singer (Ayai is another form of a duet poetry song performance, often between a man and a woman throwing sarcastic comments at each other while they sing).

Interview

The romantic nightmare in the haunted house by the Creek!

Once upon the time there was a placed in the countryside named Norfolk. It had a lot of beautiful views. Creek is a home to birds, insects and other different kinds of fish. The tall big tree surrounded the creek is seemed like an ocean of green color. The hills stand very strong like an elephants. They also add to the attraction of the place. This is the reason why many people from towns and the cities made this place a perfect place for their holiday or picnic. Unknown to many visitors, there is one particular old house where the villager would not even dare to come close to the house because of its strange story.

One day a group of 5 university students came to visit Norfolk for an overnight picnic. As they drove close to the place, they decided to set up their tents away from the crowd to relax. Between the five of them there was one of the student name '' Nick Sip''. Nick was the owner of the modern and high quality car, Nick was rich and handsome. Nick was intelligent but polite. Nick got sparky brown hair, blue eyes and long ears. Nick was wearing a black T-shirt and a jean. Nick came from the rich family, Nick's father owned many company in European countries and the United States. However this place is too crowd for them so they kept driving around to find the place they wanted and at last they found it. The place was really away from the crowd. It was an abandoned old wooden house.

After enjoying the windy and sunny day by the creek the sun began to disappear. They decided to go back to the old house by the creek. Nick started to fix his tent but he was stopped from doing it, because his friends had agreed to sleep inside the house and because it was raining outside.

Dinner was over, the fun was over, their tired body needed some rest. So they did, they slept together. Suddenly Nick and one of his friend saw a black butterfly and they follows it.

The butterfly took them to a very mysterious door. He and his friend went back because they were so tire. However Nick really wanted to know what was in the old mysterious door. The house felt silent, outside of the house the water was fallen down heavily seem like a big rain.

Nick follow the butterfly to the last mysterious door that he and his friend had gone too. There was an old man and old woman was standing by the door way to welcome him. The old man was wearing a uniform which is full of blood, the old woman look like a vampire, but Nick still talked to them.

About a minute later Nick saw a very beautiful girl cam and asked him '' Hello master why did you came in here? '' Nick said '' I just followed the butterfly ''. The girl said ''You shouldn't..''.


Before she finished her words the old man and woman came in. The old woman gave Nick a warm embrace. As the woman embraced him, he could feel the woman's body was so cold like the ice at the north pole. When he looked at her eyes it turned red and her hare began to stand like a big monster. He took the girl hand and tried to ran away from the woman.

Then the old woman open the door for him and showed that the bad things will happen to him and his friends with in tomorrow. In that door he could see he and his friends with their tongues cut, had no eyes, and were wearing the bloody clothes.


Suddenly he ran through another door. He and the girl was safe right now. He asked the girl all about her. The girl's name Mariposa. She came from a rich family but she was lost in this house for 2 years. Nick started to feel in love with her. He was trying to flirt her but she refused, she told Nick that she was a ghost!Nick feel very sad, but he feel that he got wet, when he turned back he saw the old man and woman was hitting Mariposa.He wanted to saved Mariposa but the other ghost is chasing him so he ran and ran.

Suddenly he felt that there was a hand touching his face and he began to scream and open his eyes. It was only his friends.They asked him why he was screaming. He told them that he was having a nightmare.

In the early morning, the villager went to the farms. They were surprised to see people in that old house. The students told them that they were on a picnic and spent the night in the house. The villagers told them how brave they were because 3 ghosts appeared in this house during every full moon. If they slept in this house for 2 days they will die mysteriously in the house with no reason. Upon hearing this, the student's knee began to shake and left the house immediately. This is why Nick had a Nightmare last night. However, Nick still wondering about Mariposa, but he was so happy to see his friends.

History of Valentines day

Every year, the fourteenth day of the month of February has millions across the world presenting their loved ones with candy, flowers, chocolates and other lovely gifts. In many countries, restaurants and eateries are seen to be filled with couples who are eager to celebrate their relationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines. There hardly seems to be a young man or woman who is not keen to make the most of the day.

The reason behind all of this is a kindly cleric named Valentine who died more than a thousand years ago.

It is not exactly known why the 14th of February is known as Valentine's Day or if the noble Valentine really had any relation to this day. The history of Valentine's Day is impossible to be obtained from any archive and the veil of centuries gone by has made the origin behind this day more difficult to trace. It is only some legends that are our source for the history of Valentine's Day.

The modern St. Valentine's Day celebrations are said to have been derived from both ancient Christian and Roman tradition. As per one legend, the holiday has originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalis/Lupercalia, a fertility celebration that used to observed annually on February 15. But the rise of Christianity in Europe saw many pagan holidays being renamed for and dedicated to the early Christian martyrs. Lupercalia was no exception. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day and set its observance a day earlier, on February 14. He proclaimed February 14 to be the feast day in honor of Saint Valentine, a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century. It is this St. Valentine whom the modern Valentine's Day honors.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were at least three early Christian saints by the name of Valentine. While one was a priest in Rome, another was a bishop in Terni. Nothing is known about the third St. Valentine except that he met his end in Africa. Surprisingly, all three of them were said to have been martyred on 14th February.

It is clear that Pope Gelasius intended to honor the first of these three aforementioned men. Most scholars believe that this St. Valentine was a priest who lived around 270 AD in Rome and attracted the disfavor of Roman emperor Claudius II who ruled during this time.

The story of St. Valentine has two different versions - the Protestant and the Catholic one. Both versions agree upon Saint Valentine being a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to Claudius II who had prohibited marriage for young men and was executed by the latter. During the lifetime of Valentine, the golden era of Roman empire had almost come to an end. Lack of quality administrators led to frequent civil strife. Education declined, taxation increased and trade witnessed a very bad time. The Roman empire faced crisis from all sides, from the Gauls, Slavs, Huns, Turks and Mongolians from Northern Europe and Asia. The empire had grown too large to be shielded from external aggression and internal chaos with existing forces. Naturally, more and more capable men were required to to be recruited as soldiers and officers to protect the nation from takeover. When Claudius became the emperor, he felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families, and thus, will not make good soldiers. He believed that marriage made the men weak. So he issued an edict forbidding marriage to assure quality soldiers.

The ban on marriage was a great shock for the Romans. But they dared not voice their protest against the mighty emperor. The kindly bishop Valentine also realized the injustice of the decree. He saw the trauma of young lovers who gave up all hopes of being united in marriage. He planned to counter the monarch's orders in secrecy. Whenever lovers thought of marrying, they went to Valentine who met them afterwards in a secret place, and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony. And thus he secretly performed many marriages for young lovers. But such things cannot remain hidden for long. It was only a matter of time before Claudius came to know of this "friend of lovers," and had him arrested.

While awaiting his sentence in prison, Valentine was approached by his jailor, Asterius. It was said that Valentine had some saintly abilities and one of them granted him the power to heal people. Asterius had a blind daughter and knowing of the miraculous powers of Valentine he requested the latter to restore the sight of his blind daughter. The Catholic legend has it that Valentine did this through the vehicle of his strong faith, a phenomenon refuted by the Protestant version which agrees otherwise with the Catholic one. Whatever the fact, it appears that Valentine in some way did succeed to help Asterius' blind daughter.

When Claudius II met Valentine, he was said to have been impressed by the dignity and conviction of the latter. However, Valentine refused to agree with the emperor regarding the ban on marriage. It is also said that the emperor tried to convert Valentine to the Roman gods but was unsuccesful in his efforts. Valentine refused to recognize Roman Gods and even attempted to convert the emperor, knowing the consequences fully. This angered Claudius II who gave the order of execution of Valentine.

Meanwhile, a deep friendship had been formed between Valentine and Asterius' daughter. It caused great grief to the young girl to hear of his friend's imminent death. It is said that just before his execution, Valentine asked for a pen and paper from his jailor, and signed a farewell message to her "From Your Valentine," a phrase that lived ever after. As per another legend, Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his jailer during his imprisonment. However, this legend is not given much importance by historians. The most plausible story surrounding St. Valentine is one not centered on Eros (passionate love) but on agape (Christian love): he was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion. Valentine is believed to have been executed on February 14, 270 AD.

Thus 14th February became a day for all lovers and Valentine became its Patron Saint. It began to be annually observed by young Romans who offered handwritten greetings of affection, known as Valentines, on this day to the women they admired. With the coming of Christianity, the day came to be known as St. Valentine's Day.

But it was only during the 14th century that St. Valentine's Day became definitively associated with love. UCLA medieval scholar Henry Ansgar Kelly, author of "Chaucer and the Cult of Saint Valentine", credits Chaucer as the one who first linked St. Valentine's Day with romance. In medieval France and England it was believed that birds mated on February 14. Hence, Chaucer used the image of birds as the symbol of lovers in poems dedicated to the day. In Chaucer's "The Parliament of Fowls," the royal engagement, the mating season of birds, and St. Valentine's Day are related:

"For this was on St. Valentine's Day, When every fowl cometh there to choose his mate."

By the Middle Ages, Valentine became as popular as to become one of the most popular saints in England and France. Despite attempts by the Christian church to sanctify the holiday, the association of Valentine’s Day with romance and courtship continued through the Middle Ages. The holiday evolved over the centuries. By the 18th century, gift-giving and exchanging hand-made cards on Valentine's Day had become common in England. Hand-made valentine cards made of lace, ribbons, and featuring cupids and hearts began to be created on this day and handed over to the man or woman one loved. This tradition eventually spread to the American colonies. It was not until the 1840s that Valentine's Day greeting cards began to be commercially produced in the U.S. The first American Valentine's Day greeting cards were created by Esther A. Howlanda Mount Holyoke, a graduate and native of Worcester. Mass. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap". It was when Howland began Valentine's cards in a large scale that the tradition really caught on in the United States.

Today, Valentine's Day is one of the major holidays in the U.S. and has become a booming commercial success. According to the Greeting Card Association, 25% of all cards sent each year are "valentine"s. The "valentines", as Valentine's Day cards are better known as, are often designed with hearts to symbolize love. The Valentine's Day card spread with Christianity, and is now celebrated all over the world. One of the earliest valentines was sent in 1415 AD by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife during his imprisonment in the Tower of London. The card is now preserved in the British Museum.