Will You Be Mine? The Origin of Valentine’s Day
By Kahla Jenkins
January 29, 2010
Filed under Fun Stuff
Each February 14th across the country, flowers, heart shaped chocolates, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones and friends, all in the name of St. Valentine.
Cupid, doves, love birds, roses, hearts and arrows are all symbols of the Valentine’s Day Holiday. But who is this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday?
The origin of the Valentine’s Day is covered in mystery while people also have various different opinions about it. According to some legends, Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius II then had Valentine jailed and later killed for rebelling against his ruling that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, therefore leading the Emperor to outlaw marriage for young men.
Other legends consider Valentine’s Day to be originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity on Feb. 14, 269 A.D.
Another theory claims that St. Valentine was imprisoned for helping Christians escape harsh punishment in Roman prisons.
The most well known legend says that Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who was his jailor’s daughter. She visited him during his confinement before his tragic death. It is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today.
In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honor Juno, the Queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. The Romans considered her the goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, the festival of Lupercalia began in honor of Lupercus, the hunter of wolves.
Legends aside, the popularity of the Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 to honor St. Valentine, the patron saint of love and romance.
Besides Valentine’s Day implementing a romantic holiday, there was also a major concept that took place which lead to a communication advance in technology. This particular date is also when Alexander Graham Bell applied for his patent on the telephone in 1876.
I hope this Valentine’s Day brings you much bliss. Consider each thought, and think of the ones that you miss. Never forget that you are always loved, and show someone else you care.
Loading ...