Where did Valentine’s Day originate from? The history of the holiday and a story of its patron saint, is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and St. Valentine Day as we know it contains vestiges of both Religion and ancient Roman Tradition. But who was St. Valentine and how did he begun associated with the ancient rite?
The Catholic Church recognizes at least 3 different saints named Valentine or Valentinus all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that one priest who served in the century in Rome. Who Emperor Claudius II that single men made better than those who with wives and families he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine realizing the justice of the decree defied Claudius and to prepare marriages for young lovers in secrets. When Valentines were discovered, Claudius ordered that he was put to death. Still others insist that it was Valentine of Terni a bishop who was a true namesake of the holiday. He too was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were of beaten and tortured. According to one legend imprisoned Valentine sent the first Valentine greeting after he fell in love with a young girl-possibly his jailors daughter – who visited him during his confinement. Before his death it was alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “from your Valentine” an expression that is used still today. Although the truth behind about the Valentine’s legend is murky all empathize his appeal sympathetic, heroic and most importantly romance figure. By the Middle Ages perhaps thanks to the reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular in England and France.