carolee

Some History about Valentine Day



Posted: Wednesday, February 10, 2010

by carolee

When writing about a special day as Valentines Day, I always like to start out with a little history about it. In this case there is some conflicting information about where it originated. I thought I would just touch on the fact that it was considered to be a pagan ceremony where the men would take a wipe and beat the women feeling that this would make them a better mate. I don't know about you, but somehow that just doesn't seem very romantic and sure doesn't sit well with me.

To move on, during the third century in Rome the Emperor Claudius II felt that single men made better soldiers so he outlawed marriage for young men. During this period a young priest named Valentine became very upset with this injustice and began marring young lovers in secret. Claudius discovered the actions of Valentine and sentenced him to death. He was executed on February 14, 270 AD . While he was in jail he had fallen in love with the daughter of the jailer and before his death he sent her a letter signing it "From your Valentine".

Well you guessed it; this was the beginning of Valentines Day and around 496 AD. Pope Gelasius declared Valentine a saint, making February 14 his day.

Today we still celebrate Valentine Day with flowers, candy and love. We need to say we care and that you're special to me. Often we forget to say this, especially in hard times, but it means so much to hear that.  Remember to wish those you care about a happy Valentine Day.

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