The history of Valentine''s Day and its patron saint is shrouded with mystery. But I do knw that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine''s
Day as we know it today, contains vestigespf Christian and ancient Roman tradition.
Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least two different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all whom were martyred.
One legend contents that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Cladius II decided that the single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he
outlawed marriage for
young men his crop for potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Cladius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Cladius ordered that he would be put to death.
According to another version, Valentine actually sent the first Valentine greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that VAlentine (hopefully not a priest''s name this time) fell in love with young girl- whom may have been his jailor''s daughter who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote he a letter which he signed, "From your Valentine" , an expression that is used today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legend is murky, the story emphasizes his appeal as symphathetic heroic and most importantly a
romantic figure.
Pope Gelasius declared February 14, St. Valentine''s Day around 498 A.D. The Roman lottery system for romantic pairing was deemed unchristian and outlawed. Later, during the
Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of the bird''s mating season which added to the idea that indeed the middle of February- Valentine''s Day shold be a day for hearts.
More summaries about the What Do I Mean When I Say "Happy Valentine''s Day"