February 14 is Valentine's Day. Although it is celebrated as a lovers' holiday today, with the giving of candy, flowers, or other gifts between couples in love, some people believe it originated in 5th Century Rome around 496 AD, as a tribute to St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop, who by that time had become a saint.
Who was this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday?
One story suggests that the good Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who served under the Roman Emperor Claudius II in the third century. One of Valentine's activities was to marry couples.
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.
However, Saint Valentine was not happy with Claudius's decree, so, because Valentine continued to marry young couples even after Claudius forbade it, he was killed (beheaded, actually) by the cruel Emperor. The date of his execution is believed to be February 14, 270 A.D.
There is more to the legend. While Valentine was in jail awaiting execution, many young people came to the jail to visit him. They threw flowers and notes up to his window. This perhaps is where the idea of sending Valentine's flowers originated. According to the legend, one of these young people was the prison guard's daughter, with whom Valentine became good friends. On the day Valentine was to die, he left his friend a farewell message signed, "From Your Valentine".
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. - 20785
Who was this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday?
One story suggests that the good Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who served under the Roman Emperor Claudius II in the third century. One of Valentine's activities was to marry couples.
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.
However, Saint Valentine was not happy with Claudius's decree, so, because Valentine continued to marry young couples even after Claudius forbade it, he was killed (beheaded, actually) by the cruel Emperor. The date of his execution is believed to be February 14, 270 A.D.
There is more to the legend. While Valentine was in jail awaiting execution, many young people came to the jail to visit him. They threw flowers and notes up to his window. This perhaps is where the idea of sending Valentine's flowers originated. According to the legend, one of these young people was the prison guard's daughter, with whom Valentine became good friends. On the day Valentine was to die, he left his friend a farewell message signed, "From Your Valentine".
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. - 20785
About the Author:
Joanne Michaels is a recognized authority 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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