This Sunday happens to be my 3rd favorite holiday...after Christmas & Halloween of course. But who exactly is St. Valentine and when did this celebration begin?Legends say that Valentine was a priest who served in 3rd century Rome. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine saw how injust this was of Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers-secretly. As soon as Claudius discovered this he had Valentine put to death!
Another version of the story says that he was actually the first to send a "valentine" greeting. While in prison before his death, he fell in love with a young girl (who might have been his jailor's daughter) who visited him during his confinement. Before he was put to death it is said that he signed a letter to her "From your Valentine," which is still used today.
He became one of the most popular saints in England and France by the Middle Ages.
So the reason we celebrate it in the middle of February is to commemorate the anniversary of his death. Sad story...but wasn't he ever so romantic!? lol
3 comments:
Wow, I feel like I learned something today :)
I need to get me a jail-bate valentine ;)
Im glad i could contribute to your academics today lol.
And hey go hit up the local jail...you just might find your very own Valentine!
thanks for the history lesson lol! i love valentine's day, making cards and such. but it's like 100 times better when you got a valentine! lol
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