Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world as a symbol of love. There are numerous tales about how Valentine's Day started, with the most prominent involving the execution of Saint Valentine. It is believed that the saint was executed on this day for safeguarding lovers. Let's delve into the story connected to the origins of Valentine's Day.
On February 14, 270 AD, under the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II, Valentine, a holy priest in Rome, was sentenced to death. During his rule, Claudius made many unpopular and bloodthirsty decisions. The emperor needed a strong army, but faced difficulties recruiting soldiers for his military. Claudius believed that Roman men were reluctant to join the army due to their strong attachment to their wives and families.
To solve this issue, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Sensing the injustice, Valentine defied this decree by secretly conducting marriages for young lovers. When the emperor learned of Valentine’s actions, Claudius ordered his execution. Valentine was arrested and brought before the Prefect of Rome, who sentenced him to be beaten to death with clubs and have his head cut off, which was carried out on February 14, around 270 AD.
Legends Associated with the Origin of Valentine's Day
One legend suggests that while imprisoned, Saint Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who became his friend, signing it 'From your Valentine.' For his great service, he was made a saint after his death.
In truth, the exact origin and identity of Saint Valentine are unclear. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, under the date of February 14, there are at least three different Saint Valentines mentioned, all martyrs. One was a priest in Rome, another the bishop of Interamna (modern-day Terni, Italy), and the third was said to be a martyr in the Roman province of Africa. Valentine was a common name at that time.
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There are varying legends about how the name of the martyr became linked with romance. His death date possibly became connected with the pagan festival of Lupercalia, which was dedicated to the Roman god of fertility, Lupercus. During this festival, random marriages took place, with men drawing the names of women from a box to form couples. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I abolished Lupercalia and declared that February 14 would be celebrated as Saint Valentine's Day.
Gradually, February 14 became a date for exchanging love notes, poems, and simple gifts like flowers, and today, across the world, it is widely celebrated as a day dedicated to love, known as Valentine's Day.
