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History of St. Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. Saint Valentine became associated with this day because he was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II and he secretly married couples. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death on the 14th day of February. While St. Valentine was in jail, it is said that he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. By a miracle, or some say by the prayers of Valentine, she gained her sight and, as a last farewell in a note, he wrote “From Your Valentine”, an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is vague, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Now, every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.

Yunara and Raquel B., 9º 6 (2004–05), adapted from www.pictureframes.co.uk

Valentine’s Day

Every February, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote the jailer’s daughter a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine.” Although the truth behind the legend is murky, the stories certainly describe Valentine as a heroic and romantic character.

Jorge and Nuno, 9º 6 (2004–05), adapted from www.historychannel.com

The Story of Saint Valentine

Saint Valentine lived in Rome during the third century. At that time, Rome was ruled by an emperor named Claudius. Emperor Claudius was never a favourite of the people of Rome and also Saint Valentine.

Claudius wanted to have a big army. He expected men to volunteer to join. Many men just did not want to fight in wars. They didn’t want to leave their wives and families. This made Claudius furious. He had a crazy idea. He thought that if men were not married, they wouldn’t mind joining the army. So Claudius decided not to allow any more marriages. Saint Valentine thought it was preposterous! And decided not to support it.

Saint Valentine being a Priest, his favourite activity was to marry couples. Even after Emperor Claudius passed his law, he kept on performing marriage ceremonies secretly.

One night, while performing the wedding ceremony St. Valentine heard the sound of the steps of soldiers. He made the marrying couple run in time but him self was caught. He was thrown in jail and told that his punishment was death.

While in prison he tried to stay cheerful and many young people came to the jail to visit him because they believed in love.

One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit him in the cell. At times they would sit and talk for hours. On the day he was to die, he left his friend a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. He signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”

It is believed that this note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine’s Day. It was written on February 14, 269 A.D., the day St. Valentine died. Now, every year on this day, people think about love and friendship.

Remember that love can’t be beaten!

Ricardo J. and Rui, 9º 6 (2004–05), adapted from www.sholay.com