What is it about

How does it all work and what is the history behind it?

Valentines DayValentine's day is a jumble of traditions, beliefs, and celebrations that has come to us from a distant past. It is celebrated on February 14th because it was upon this day that Saint Valentine was supposed to have been executed for performing marriages. It was a strange thing to happen to a priest who fervently believed in doing what he thought was right, helping couples to consecrate their love.

The story goes back the 2nd Century A.D. when Christians were persecuted by the Roman government. Christian marriages and other ceremonies were absolutely forbidden. The legend has it that Claudius II was trying to raise an army in Rome. It was his belief that married men would not make good soldiers because they would always be worried about their wives and children back home. To raise men for the army he forbid young men to marry. The punishment for any priest who would perform a marriage ceremony would be death!

Because he so fervently believed in love and the idea that marriage was a holy state, St. Valentine performed marriage ceremonies, placing his allegiance to God before the Government in Rome. The good saint was caught performing a marriage and was hauled into prison and after a trial before the emperor, beheaded.

In the 1600s giving gifts to sweethearts came into fashion. First it was flowers, and later (for the wealthy), jewelry. Giving a young lady a pair of gloves on Valentine's Day was thought to be the equivalent of a proposal of marriage.

In the 1700s card makers saw an opportunity and began making cards especially to be used on Valentine's Day. People wrote each other poems, and those who were not of a literary bent could purchase a book chock full of Valentine's poems for a penny, and copy one off. The practice of sending cards and letters on Valentine's Day really took off when the cost of postage fell to a penny per letter.

Because of the close association of Great Britain with the United States, Canada, Australia and a number of other countries, Valentine's Day traditions took off all around the world. Valentine's Day is also celebrated in European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Spain. In Iran it is against the Law to give flowers or cards on Valentine’s Day – which has created a black market full of Red Roses and Cards.

endocrinesystem

A chemical communication system that controls many body functions

A group of cells or an organ that secretes a substance gland

A gland that signals other endocrine glands to produce hormones when needed

pituitarygland

The Endocrine System and GrowthYour endocrine system is responsible for the fast growth you experience during your teen years.

endocrine system A chemical communication system that controls many body functions

Parts of the Endocrine System

The endocrine glands work by responding to signals from the brain or from the pituitary gland.

pituitary gland A gland that signals other endocrine glands to produce hormones when needed

The pituitary gland is located at the midpoint of the skull, behind the eyes.

Hormones

The chemicals secreted by the endocrine glands are called hormones.

Each hormone has a specific job.

What is it about Love? Male Vocabulary

reproductivesystem

The body system containing the organs that make possible the production of offspring

The male sex cell sperm

When an internal organ pushes against or through a surrounding cavity wall

hernia

When a male’s sperm cell joins with a female’s egg cell

fertilization

The Male Reproductive System

Epididymis Van Deferens Ejaculation

Sperm mix with secretions from the seminal vesicles, the prostrate gland, and the Cowper’s gland. Semen is created.

What is it about Love? Female Vocabulary

ovulation The release of one mature egg cell each month

When the lining material, the unfertilized egg, and some flood flow out of the body

menstruation

Hormonal changes that occur in females from the beginning of one menstruation to the next

menstrualcycle

The Female Reproductive SystemThree Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Store egg cells Create offspring

Give birth

The Menstrual Cycle

If an egg is not fertilized, the uterus lining breaks down and is shed by the body through menstruation.

menstruation When the lining material, the unfertilized egg, and some blood flow out of the body