| Valentine's Day---How It All Began |
| Written by Joanne Michaels | |||
| Wednesday, 28 January 2009 17:39 | |||
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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.
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. Just who was this mysterious Roman saint, and why do we celebrate Valentine's Day? One story suggests that the good Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who served during the third century in Rome in the days of Claudius II. One of Valentine's responsibilities 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. The legend does not stop there. While St Valentine was in jail, it is said that he fell in love with the jailers' blind daughter. By a miracle, or some say by the prayers of Valentine, she gained her sight. As a last farewell, Valentine sent her a note that was signed, "From Your Valentine". 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 well-known 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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