KissMeGoodnight.com
Article Series: Valentine's Day
Tips & Ideas For A Romantic Valentine's
Day
What
is the Orgin Of Valentine's Day?
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.
# # # # #
by KissMeGoodnight.com
: 2010
> Home > Valentine's
Day Articles:
Main Page |
