We celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th by sending flowers, cards, and gifts to those that we love. But, do you know the history of Valentine’s Day? The holiday is named after two early Christian martyrs named Valentine. There were many early Christian martyrs named Valentine. Seems it was a popular name. The two that Valentine’s Day is typically associated with are Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. Valentine of Rome was a priest that was martyred about AD 269. Valentine of Terni was bishop of Interamna and is said to have been martyred during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian. Sentiments of love and affection are rarely associated with the biographies of these two martyrs.
Saint Valentine became linked to romance in the fourteenth century. There are several legends about Saint Valentine, although many of the recorded legends have no connection with sentimental love.
According to the Early Medieval acta, Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius attempted to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and, in turn, attempted to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Valentine was executed. It is reported that he performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer prior to his execution.
According to Legenda Aurea, Valentine was a priest who refused an unattested law of the Emperor Claudius II that ordered that young men remain single. Claudius apparently wanted to enlarge his army, and he believed married men made poor soldiers. The priest Valentine secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius learned of it, he had Valentine arrested and jaile.
According to the Golden Legend, the night before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first “valentine” himself, addressing it to a young girl. The note read, “From you Valentine.” The young girl is identified in various legends as his beloved, as the jailer’s daughter, and as the girl that he healed.
Today, Valentine’s day is known for chocolate, lace hearts, and red hot candies.
I made brag book page of our parents. My parents are in the left frame, and my husband’s parents are in the right frame. We are so grateful for the example of love and marriage commitment that they have shown us throughout our lives. We learned to love by their example. Their history gives meaning to our Valentine’s Day!
Now, go tell someone that you love them and why!
Be blessed,
Virginia
