History of Valentine's Day-Kinda Long by vitachick
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Description
The history of Valentine's Day � and its patron saint � is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men � his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl � who may have been his jailor's daughter � who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day
Comments (14)
Faemike55
Very nice retelling of the stories thanks and a Happy St. Valentine's Day to you
vitachick
The full article was too large. Had to cut it down almost half...
missblue
Beautiful =) I have read about the first valentine.. Happy valentine day to you =)
renecyberdoc
i never went in deep searching for the background story.but seeing here, it is fascinating the information indeed thank you.
UteBigSmile Online Now!
Schaefchen
wonderful super work ,happy valentine day
Rhanagaz
Interesting story about Valentines Day - and a sweet photo! :o)
ragouc
Interesting
willpee
Cool image and thanks for the history !!
Crudelitas
Thank you for the informations! I wish you a nice valentine day!
pit224
Beautiful:) Happy valentine day!
alessimarco
~Very cute image and a great history lesson!~
PSDuck
Great info, and not long at all!
TallPockets
by TallPockets (online now) on Feb 14, 2011 11:14:04 am [homepage] [delete] ''According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself.'' vitachick: HELLO! .... And thus, the word, "NARCISSIST" began. (WINK) .... TallPockets thinks the whole 'Men/Women' thingy is ''shrouded in mystery''. (GRINS). THANKS for the HISTORY lesson. SMILES! T.P. UPDATE: HELLO! .... T.P. thinks it's time for ANOTHER 'history' lesson? WINK.