Valentines Day is my favorite holiday. It isn't usually all planned out and I don't stress from the expense like I do at Christmas. I spend hours reading cards to pick the perfect one. I go to several stores before I make my final choice. Why do we go to such lengths to show love to our beloved ones? What is Valentines Day?
The Catholic Church and ancient Roman tradition recognizes three different saints, all of whom were martyred, named Valentine or Valentinus. They are mostly shrouded in mystery. So who are these saints, and which one do you think is responsible for Valentines Day we now celebrate.
Legend holds a priest in the third century, during the reign of Claudius II in Rome, is the famous Saint Valentine. Claudus II believed soldiers whom were not married made better warriors that married soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. The priest realizing this was unjust, continued to secretly marry the young lovers. Eventually Claudius II found out and put the poor priest to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been put to death for aiding and helping prisoners escape prison from torture and mistreatment.
The other legend tells of his confinement in prison. As the legend goes, Valentine sent the first valentine while he was incarcerated. It is believed he fell in love with a young woman, possibly the jailers daughter whom visited him there. He sent her a letter and signed it From your Valentine. It seems to have stuck.
February is the month of romance and Valentines Day was chosen to celebrate on the fourteenth, exactly halfway in the month. The reason was possibly to offset the pagan celebration Lupercalia. Others believe it was either the death or burial date of Saint Valentine around 270 A.D..
Over 2 billion Christmas card are sent each year making it the most popular and celebrated holiday. Valentines Day is a close second with over 1 billion cards sent or given. Quite a number isn't it?
I hope you all have a wonderful Valentines Day. Till next time...
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