The History of Valentine's Day
The History of Valentine's Day
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged
between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this
mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of
Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery.
But we do know that February has long been a month of romance.
St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both
Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how
did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church
recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus,
all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the
third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men
made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage
for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing
the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages
for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered,
Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting
to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often
beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine'
greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in
love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter
-- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is
alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,
' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind
the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal
as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.
It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most
popular saints in England and France.
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Cant Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley