Every year on February 14th, people around the world exchange flowers, candy, cards and gifts with their loved ones. Being a fan of strawberries covered in chocolate, I’ve never complained about this annual celebration of love (even in my single years) but this year, my curiosity piqued. And I’m sooo glad it did. Mostly because I learned that Valentine’s Day has a dark history. My favorite kind!
The history of Valentine’s Day – and the story of its patron saint – is shrouded in mystery. The story originates in Rome, during the third century, when Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. Bummer, right? This ruling infuriated a young priest, named Valentine. Valentine realized the injustice of the decree, defied the Emperor and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius eventually discovered Valentine’s actions and sentenced him to death.
But wait, there’s more. During Valentine’s time in jail, he fell in love. With the jailer’s daughter (of course). Valentine sent letters to his love and always signed it “From Your Valentine” – sound familiar? Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD. Later, around 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 a day to honor Valentine, who by that time had become a saint.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
