History of Valentine's Day

[Chewy]

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Well I think if you love your partner you should show your love and affection any day of the year and not just on Valentines Day.

What do you think?

[Ickle-Jen]

I fully agree Chewy! I do think it's nice to make that extra effort on Valentines Day tho too. I took Stinkybert to see Jimmy Carr on Sunday as his present. Excellent! But we do show our love all year round (vomit vomit, LOL)

Make Love, Not War xx

[angelicanubis]

I love the story of St. Valentine.

And of course you should show your love on any day. If you didn't that would be completely ungreatful of you. Its just Valentine's Day is a special day. Its like Christmas for lovers. You know the spirit of Christmas where you just appreciate and love your family more? I feel like Valentine's Day is the same. It makes everything vibrant and exciting and gives you an excuse to give your significant other flowers, chocolate, or some other gift.

When you have been dating someone awhile or are married to someone, when Valentine's Day comes around, if you celebrate it, its also exciting because it reminds you of the time when your significant other was still trying to win you over by buying you gifts and trying to impress you. I love Valentine's Day.