On February 14th we exchange cards, flowers and gifts with love one all in the name of St. Valentine. But who was Saint Valentine….does anyone really know…the history of St. Valentines Day and its patron saint is a mystery. The Catholic Church is even confused and recognizes at least three different saints with the name Valentine or Valentinus, all who wer martyred.
One legend tells us that Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. Emperor Claudius II decided that unmarried men would make better soldiers and therefore outlawed marriage. Valentine feeling this was unfair defied the Emperor and married young lovers in secret. Being found out Emperor Claudius ordered that Valentine but put to death.
Another legend suggest that Valentine was killed for attempting to help Christians escape the torture and beating they were subjected to in the Roman prisons
Yet another legend tells us that Valentine actually sent himself the first holiday greeting. Iit is believed that while he was in prison that Valentine fell in love with his jailor's young daughter who often visited him. Before his death it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signing it "From your Valentine"
Although there are many mysteries behind the legend of Valentine he is a romantic figure and since the Middle Ages,Labels: Valentine, Valentine Day, Valentine history |
