For centuries now, February 14 has been a day set aside for romance, a special day when candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between lovers. However, the true facts behind the origin of Valentine's Day -- and the saint for whom the day is named --remain a mystery.
Who was this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday?
According to one popular legend, the good Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who served under the Roman Emperor Claudius II in the third century. One of Valentine's jobs was to perform marriages.
Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Because of this, Claudius was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason for this was that married Roman men did not want to leave their wives and families. So, Claudius canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome.
But Valentine would secretly marry young couples that came to him. When Claudius found out about Valentine, he first tried to convert Valentine to paganism. But Valentine reversed the strategy, trying instead to convert Claudius. When Valentine failed, he was stoned and beheaded, supposedly on February 14, 270 A.D.
But that's not the end of the St. Valentine legend. It is also said while Valentine was in jail awaiting execution, he was sent little notes and flowers from the children whom he had helped when they were sick. This also may have been one of the reasons why he sent a farewell note to the jailers' daughter. The message was signed, "Love from your Valentine". Perhaps this is why we send Valentines gifts today.
It is believed by some that Valentine's Day is celebrated on that day in February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death.
Even though no one knows the true origin of Valentine's Day, we do celebrate February 14 as the date for exchanging symbols of romance, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. In the United States, we celebrate the day by sending simple romantic gifts such as poems, chocolates, cards, and flowers focused on love. In this way, the romantic story of St. Valentine continues.
Who was this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday?
According to one popular legend, the good Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who served under the Roman Emperor Claudius II in the third century. One of Valentine's jobs was to perform marriages.
Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Because of this, Claudius was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason for this was that married Roman men did not want to leave their wives and families. So, Claudius canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome.
But Valentine would secretly marry young couples that came to him. When Claudius found out about Valentine, he first tried to convert Valentine to paganism. But Valentine reversed the strategy, trying instead to convert Claudius. When Valentine failed, he was stoned and beheaded, supposedly on February 14, 270 A.D.
But that's not the end of the St. Valentine legend. It is also said while Valentine was in jail awaiting execution, he was sent little notes and flowers from the children whom he had helped when they were sick. This also may have been one of the reasons why he sent a farewell note to the jailers' daughter. The message was signed, "Love from your Valentine". Perhaps this is why we send Valentines gifts today.
It is believed by some that Valentine's Day is celebrated on that day in February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death.
Even though no one knows the true origin of Valentine's Day, we do celebrate February 14 as the date for exchanging symbols of romance, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. In the United States, we celebrate the day by sending simple romantic gifts such as poems, chocolates, cards, and flowers focused on love. In this way, the romantic story of St. Valentine continues.
About the Author:
Joanne Michaels is a renowned expert on Valentine's Day and Valentines flowers. Lowest prices ever on Valentines flowers. Grab yours now while they last at: Valentine's Day History.
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