Did you know Mr. Valentine was an Umbrian? Saint Valentine was born in Terni, an hour drive from Cannara, where he lived and eventually died on the 14th of February. Very little is know about the actual Saint Valentine, and much of his life is shrouded in conjecture and myth.

We know Saint Valentine lived in the 3rd century. He is considered the founder of the Christian community of Terni and was its first bishop. Because of his faith he was persecuted under the emperor Aureliano and beheaded in Rome on the 14th of February (around 273). His body was lovingly taken back to Terni, where he was buried. His skull remained in Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome, where I snapped his photo a few years ago.

Every year, Terni celebrates the Saint Day with a traditional fair with about 300 stands, while in the city center there is a kermesse Cioccolatino dedicated to chocolate and other Italian sugary specialties.

If you can’t make it over to Umbria to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the utmost of authenticity, at least give you lover something Umbrian!  The ultimate spirit of the Saint will be with you.

Here are my picks for the loves in my life this Valentine’s Day:

FOR MYSELF

My man is all the way across the country, so I will be gifting myself this delightful confection, my favorite Torrone – dark chocolate with Hazelnuts – to substitute for him. Plus the packaging is so beautiful and Valentine’s-y that I can pretend that I am eating chocolate for the holiday, and not just because I really want to.

FOR THE ROOMMATE

For a special treat for my roommate, not so much the chocolate guy, I’ll give the luxurious Marrons Glaces, which he got hooked on in France (but we know which country makes them better…)
http://viaumbria.com/emporio/chestnut-gift-bag.html

FOR THE MOTHER

The most beautiful hand-blown glass hearts from the island of Murano are sure to remind my mother of how much I care for her.

FOR THE FATHER

My father flips over Gianduia, and these multicolored boxes aren’t to lovey-dovey, but are just what he wants. Fun to bring to work to keep in the desk for a chocolate hazelnut treat that will remind him that he is loved.