Every February 14th, people across the world send greetings of love and friendship celebrating Valentines Day. Candy and flowers are popular gifts, expressing our love and esteem of the recipients. Schoolchildren also take part in this yearly exchange cards with heart and cupid motifs. Everyone knows this day as the romantic holiday of the year. Do you know the story behind the tradition? Who is this elusive figure known as St. Valentine?
Valentine was a Catholic priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century. Claudius II was the reigning Emperor of Rome at the time, and was having trouble recruiting men into his army, as they were often dispatched to far off lands, and were so separated from their wives and families. Men were reluctant, unwilling to endure this separation from their loved ones.
Extremely upset by what was happening, the Emperor reached the conclusion that young men would be more willing to join his army than the older ones. After all, what did they have to lose since they were unmarried? But to make doubly sure, he passed a law forbidding young men from marrying! Having no choice and finding a willing supporter in Valentine, some young men requested him to perform their marriages in secret. Sadly, he was discovered by Claudius, and arrested. He was kept in prison, to be sentenced to death.
One of the prison guards felt sympathy for this priest. To help him while away his time, he permitted his young daughter to pay visits to Valentine. The two became close friends. Before he was taken to the gallows, Valentine gave his friend a letter with the signature, "From your Valentine". And that has become the launch pad for the modern Valentine's Day!
Valentine died in 270 A.D. and was declared a Saint by the Vatican. Pope Gelasius who was in charge in the year 496 A.D., stated that February 14th would henceforth be considered as St. Valentine's Day. People in love could give free rein to feelings of love on this day! Thus, the material world became inferior to the powerful spiritual world!
Europe took to this day with great enthusiasm. When St. Valentine's Day became very popular by the Middle Ages, it was Europe that had major celebrations! Even Charles, the Duke of Orleans, posted a card to his wife on Valentine's Day. He was not able to hand it over personally as he was in prison (The Tower of London). And to this day, February 14th is the day that maximum number of cards are exchanged.
Some men offered clothing to the women of their choice. If the women accepted these gifts, there would be many couples engaged to be married! Names of girls would be kept in bowls and lots drawn. The names would be pinned on the sleeves of the boys. In this way, they publicly declared their love! It was like wearing one's heart on one's sleeves! Others thought of different gifts and practices by which they could impress their loved ones. In Wales, hearts and keys were carved on spoons. The keys gave a message to the recipient that this particular heart could be unlocked.
Whatever it may be, St. Valentine's Day is here to stay. And St. Valentine has been responsible for creating the most "loved" unofficial holiday in the world! The customs of yesteryears do not survive today; they have been replaced by candy, cards and flowers. Some enjoy candlelight dinners. Whatever, love has survived the stresses of time! - 15266
Valentine was a Catholic priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century. Claudius II was the reigning Emperor of Rome at the time, and was having trouble recruiting men into his army, as they were often dispatched to far off lands, and were so separated from their wives and families. Men were reluctant, unwilling to endure this separation from their loved ones.
Extremely upset by what was happening, the Emperor reached the conclusion that young men would be more willing to join his army than the older ones. After all, what did they have to lose since they were unmarried? But to make doubly sure, he passed a law forbidding young men from marrying! Having no choice and finding a willing supporter in Valentine, some young men requested him to perform their marriages in secret. Sadly, he was discovered by Claudius, and arrested. He was kept in prison, to be sentenced to death.
One of the prison guards felt sympathy for this priest. To help him while away his time, he permitted his young daughter to pay visits to Valentine. The two became close friends. Before he was taken to the gallows, Valentine gave his friend a letter with the signature, "From your Valentine". And that has become the launch pad for the modern Valentine's Day!
Valentine died in 270 A.D. and was declared a Saint by the Vatican. Pope Gelasius who was in charge in the year 496 A.D., stated that February 14th would henceforth be considered as St. Valentine's Day. People in love could give free rein to feelings of love on this day! Thus, the material world became inferior to the powerful spiritual world!
Europe took to this day with great enthusiasm. When St. Valentine's Day became very popular by the Middle Ages, it was Europe that had major celebrations! Even Charles, the Duke of Orleans, posted a card to his wife on Valentine's Day. He was not able to hand it over personally as he was in prison (The Tower of London). And to this day, February 14th is the day that maximum number of cards are exchanged.
Some men offered clothing to the women of their choice. If the women accepted these gifts, there would be many couples engaged to be married! Names of girls would be kept in bowls and lots drawn. The names would be pinned on the sleeves of the boys. In this way, they publicly declared their love! It was like wearing one's heart on one's sleeves! Others thought of different gifts and practices by which they could impress their loved ones. In Wales, hearts and keys were carved on spoons. The keys gave a message to the recipient that this particular heart could be unlocked.
Whatever it may be, St. Valentine's Day is here to stay. And St. Valentine has been responsible for creating the most "loved" unofficial holiday in the world! The customs of yesteryears do not survive today; they have been replaced by candy, cards and flowers. Some enjoy candlelight dinners. Whatever, love has survived the stresses of time! - 15266
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