The History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a very popular date for a lot of people. No matter if you are celebrating a new love or a long-term relationship, Valentine’s Day is an important day for almost everybody. Every year, on this particular day, cards, flowers, candies, love letters, and cute and furry little stuffed animals are sent, given, and unwrapped worldwide. Innumerous couples go to a lot of different places for dates just to show their partner how much they care and value them. Have you ever wondered where Valentine’s Day originated? Did you ever ask yourself why it is as significant and as popular as it is? Read the story behind the history of Valentine’s Day.

The origin of this popular holiday is all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this saint? Obviously, this saint is a very mysterious entity. Although mystery covers this holiday, it is known is that February has been a romantic month for a long time already. St. Valentine’s Day contains elements of Christian traditions as well as Ancient Roman traditions. The Catholic Church knows nowadays at least three saints with the name of Valentine or Valentinus. All of these known saints were martyred at one point in time.

One legend that is going around about this traditional holiday is, that Valentine was a priest who had served during the third century in Rome. At that time the Emperor of Rome was Claudius II. He decided that unmarried men made better soldiers than those who were married and had children. Because of this decision, Claudius dictated the outlaw of marriage for young men, whom he regarded as potential soldiers. Valentine recognized the unfairness of such an order and refused Claudius’s command by proceeding to do marriages for young lovers, although it was dangerous for himself. As Claudius observed the actions of Valentine, he ordered to put him to death straight away.

Some other legends admit that Valentine was killed while he was trying to assist Christians get out of rough Roman prisons. These Christians were most probably being battered as well as tortured once in a while. Now you are probably asking yourself what this has to do with a holiday that is such a popular day for lovers. When granting the legend right, the first Valentine greeting was actually sent by Valentine himself. It is sad, that as he stayed in prison, Valentine fell in love with a young girl. She was probably his capturers daughter and visited him regulary.

It is supposed, that just before Valentine’s death, he composed a love letter ot her, which he signed with the expression "From your Valentine". This expression is still used nowadays on Valentine’s Day and is signed at the bottom of Valentine cards or Valentine gifts. Although the real truth behind the Valentine legends is still somewhat of a mystery, it is clear why Valentine is regarded as a fearless, compassionate, and romantic person. Through the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints throughout England and France.