Every 14th February all around the world, chocolates, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this saint, and where did these traditions come from?
THE LEGEND OF ST. VALENTINE
The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is a mystery.
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus. One legend says 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 prohitited marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of this decision, defied Claudius and continued to marry 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 trying to help Christians escape Roman prisons. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him. Before his death, he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.
Although there are many Valentine legends, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine became one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Text adapted from: http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day
A note from your teacher:
Today, Valentine's day is not only a day for romance but, most importantly, a day to celebrate friendship.
It's Valentine's Day on Friday and it's time to let your friends know how much you value their friendship. Wish them Happy Valentine's Day!
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