Each February, in places around the world, friends exchange flowers, gifts, and candy in celebration of Valentine's Day. The name of St. Valentine is known across the globe as a patron saint. Most of us however, do not know the true origin of St. Valentine and how this special day came to be. What we do know is that February is the month of romance. As we know it today, St. Valentine's Day contains elements of both ancient Roman and Christian traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three martyred saints names Valentine or
Valentineus.
One of the common legends states that Valentine was a priest that served
in third century Rome. At the time, Emperor Claudius II declared that
single males made superior soldiers than did those who had wives and
children and he outlawed marriage for all young men in order to optimize
his potential army of soldiers. Valentine immediately realized the
injustice in this declaration and continued to perform marriages in
secret ceremonies, which was in direct defiance of Emperor Claudius II.
Upon learning of Valentine's actions, the Emperor immediately had him put
to death.
There are additional stories surrounding Valentine that suggest he was
killed for attempting to assist Christians in escaping Roman prisons
where they were often tortured and beaten. If one particular legend
holds true, Valentine himself sent the first ever "valentine" greeting.
It is believed that Valentine fell in love with a jailer's daughter while
in prison. The girl had visited Valentine in jail, during which time
Valentine fell deeply in love with her. It is thought that before his
death, Valentine sent her a letter that he signed "From Your Valentine".
By the time of Valentine's death and subsequent sainthood, he was one of
the most popular legends in England and France during the Middle Ages.
The early pastors of Roman Christian churches used St. Valentine's Day as
the day young men chose maidens from the congregation as potential
brides. Since that time there have been many traditions that have become
an important part of Valentine's Day. Cards, gifts, and the promise of
eternal love are the most common way that we express our feelings on this
very special day each year. In the United States, the first commercially
printed Valentine's Day cards began appearing in the early 1800s. Since
that time, Valentine's Day has become a highly profitable business in
which millions of dollars are spent each year.
While we enjoy and anticipate Valentine's Day and the gifts we will give
and receive, it is important to remember that this very special day
originated with no gifts whatsoever, but rather an promise of eternal
love and happiness that cost nothing at all.
