A Look Back at Valentine's Day's Past
On February 14, each year, we celebrate Valentine's Day. The day of St. Valentine is celebrated with the giving and receiving of candy, flowers, and gifts among friends, family members, and significant others worldwide. Who is this unknown saint, and what is the origin of these customs? Explore the history of Valentine's Day, from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which marked the beginning of spring, to the Victorian English tradition of giving greeting cards on February 14.
Saint Valentine's Story: The Myth and the Legend
From what or whom did the celebration of St. Valentine's Day first spring? The history of the holiday and the life of the saint it honors are both a mystery. We do know that February has long been a month dedicated to romantic gestures and that the modern celebration of St. Valentine's Day retains elements of both Christian and ancient Roman customs. How did Saint Valentine come to be connected with such an old custom, and who was he?
At least three martyrs with the name Valentine or Valentinus are recognized as saints by the Catholic Church. One popular myth is that Valentine worked as a priest in third-century Rome. Emperor Claudius II made the marriage of young men illegal, who found that single men made better soldiers than those with families. When Valentine heard about the decree, he knew it was unfair, so he continued to marry young couples despite Claudius' order secretly. After learning of Valentine's betrayal, Claudius had him executed. Others argue that the holiday should be named after Saint Valentine, the bishop of Terni. Outside of Rome, Claudius II also beheaded him.
At least three martyrs with the name Valentine or Valentinus are recognized as saints by the Catholic Church. One popular myth is that Valentine worked as a priest in third-century Rome. Emperor Claudius II made the marriage of young men illegal, who found that single men made better soldiers than those with families. When Valentine heard about the decree, he knew it was unfair, so he continued to marry young couples despite Claudius' order secretly. After learning of Valentine's betrayal, Claudius had him executed. Others argue that the holiday should be named after Saint Valentine, the bishop of Terni. Outside of Rome, Claudius II also beheaded him.