Valentines is a holiday that is well celebrated in North America and many parts of the world. Although it a very popular celebration many people do not know where it came from.Valentine’s Day draws back to the Early Christian and Ancient Roman Traditions.
One legend comes from Third century Rome. Claudius II, Emperor of Rome outlawed marriage for young men and claimed that soldiers are better without a wife and children. A priest name Valentine defied the law and secretly wedded the young lovers. For these actions, Valentine was put to death but remembered for his actions of sympathy.
Another legend of Valentine’s Day dates back from a round 270 A.D. by a priest name Valentine. Valentine aided Christians escape from the Roman Prosecution. He was jailed for his actions against the Empire. While Valentine was in jail it is said that he fell in love with his jailors’ daughter. Before his death he wrote love letter to his lover, which signed “From your Valentine” .
Some people also believe that Valentine’s Day may be the result of the Christianization of the pagan festival. This festival celebrates the beginning of spring and purification. A goat is sacrificed and its hide would be slapped onto a woman’s body to represent the increase of crops and fertility of the coming year. On that day woman women put their names in a big urn and later bachelors draw names and would be paired with their chosen lover.
Pope Celsius declared February 14th St. Valentine’s day around 489 A.D.
In the 1840’s Americans began purchasing and exchanging cards each year. Valentine cards are usually very colorful and have distinctive designs. Today, Valentine cards are exchanged with lover and even friends.
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