How Valentine’s Day Became a Tradition
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We all know that February has long been a month of romance when candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones. However, the true history of Valentine’s Day — and the saint for whom the day is named –is surrounded with legends and remains a mystery.
Who was this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday?
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.
But Valentine would secretly marry young couples that came to him. When Claudius found out about Valentine, he first tried to convert Valentine to paganism. But Valentine reversed the strategy, trying instead to convert Claudius. When Valentine failed, he was stoned and beheaded, supposedly on February 14, 270 A.D.
But that’s not the end of the St. Valentine legend. It is also said while Valentine was in jail awaiting execution, he was sent little notes and flowers from the children whom he had helped when they were sick. This also may have been one of the reasons why he sent a farewell note to the jailers’ daughter. The message was signed, “Love from your Valentine”. Perhaps this is why we send Valentines gifts today.
Legend has it that Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of February to remember the anniversary of Valentine’s death.
Although no one knows the true Valentine’s Day history, we do recognize February 14 as the date for exchanging symbols of love, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. We celebrate the day by sending simple gifts such as flowers, chocolates, cards, and poems focused on love. Thus, the legend of St. Valentine continues.
Tags: Emperor Claudius II, family, February 14, Gifts, history education, history valentines day, home, legends of valentines day, relationships, social customs, St Valentine, valentine's day history, valentines flowers, valentines legends