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.
Emperor Claudius wanted to expand the size of his army. He thought that single men made better soldiers than married men, especially men with families. So, in his way of thinking, if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. Thus, he outlawed marriage for young men.
After Claudius passed this law, Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, kept on performing marriage ceremonies -- secretly, of course. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine suffered martyrdom on February 14, about the year 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.
Legend has it that Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th of February to remember the anniversary of Valentine's death.
Even though no one is sure of how Valentine's Day originated, we do recognize February 14 as the date for exchanging symbols of love, and St. Valentine is recognized as the patron saint of lovers. The day is celebrated by sending simple romantic tokens of love such as poems, chocolates, cards, and flowers focused on love. In this way, the legend of St. Valentine lives on. - 14915
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.
Emperor Claudius wanted to expand the size of his army. He thought that single men made better soldiers than married men, especially men with families. So, in his way of thinking, if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. Thus, he outlawed marriage for young men.
After Claudius passed this law, Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, kept on performing marriage ceremonies -- secretly, of course. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine suffered martyrdom on February 14, about the year 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.
Legend has it that Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th of February to remember the anniversary of Valentine's death.
Even though no one is sure of how Valentine's Day originated, we do recognize February 14 as the date for exchanging symbols of love, and St. Valentine is recognized as the patron saint of lovers. The day is celebrated by sending simple romantic tokens of love such as poems, chocolates, cards, and flowers focused on love. In this way, the legend of St. Valentine lives on. - 14915
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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