Orgin Of Valentine's Day
Each February, in places around the world, friends exchange
flowers, gifts, and candy in celebration of Valentine's Day. The
name of St. Valentine is known across the globe as a patron
saint. Most of us however, do not know the true origin of St.
Valentine and how this special day came to be. What we do know
is that February is the month of romance. As we know it today,
St. Valentine's Day contains elements of both ancient Roman and
Christian traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes at least
three martyred saints names Valentine or Valentineus.
One of the common legends states that Valentine was a priest
that served in third century Rome. At the time, Emperor Claudius
II declared that single males made superior soldiers than did
those who had wives and children and he outlawed marriage for
all young men in order to optimize his potential army of
soldiers. Valentine immediately realized the injustice in this
declaration and continued to perform marriages in secret
ceremonies, which was in direct defiance of Emperor Claudius II.
Upon learning of Valentine's actions, the Emperor immediately
had him put to death.
There are additional stories surrounding Valentine that suggest
he was killed for attempting to assist Christians in escaping
Roman prisons where they were often tortured and beaten. If one
particular legend holds true, Valentine himself sent the first
ever "valentine" greeting.
It is believed that Valentine fell in love with a jailer's
daughter while in prison. The girl had visited Valentine in
jail, during which time Valentine fell deeply in love with her.
It is thought that before his death, Valentine sent her a letter
that he signed "From Your Valentine".
By the time of Valentine's death and subsequent sainthood, he
was one of the most popular legends in England and France during
the Middle Ages.
The early pastors of Roman Christian churches used St.
Valentine's Day as the day young men chose maidens from the
congregation as potential brides. Since that time there have
been many traditions that have become an important part of
Valentine's Day. Cards, gifts, and the promise of eternal love
are the most common way that we express our feelings on this
very special day each year. In the United States, the first
commercially printed Valentine's Day cards began appearing in
the early 1800s. Since that time, Valentine's Day has become a
highly profitable business in which millions of dollars are
spent each year.
While we enjoy and anticipate Valentine's Day and the gifts we
will give and receive, it is important to remember that this
very special day originated with no gifts whatsoever, but rather
an promise of eternal love and happiness that cost nothing at
all.