The History Of The Mysterious Valentine s Day
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Holidays.
The Enigmatic History of Valentine's Day
Summary:
February 14th marks a special day of love when people exchange candy, flowers, and gifts, all in honor of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday? The origins of Valentine's Day and its patron saint are wrapped in mystery, with influences from both Christian and ancient Roman traditions.
Valentine's Day: The Holiday of Love
Every February 14th, lovers across the country present each other with gifts, candy, and flowers in the name of St. Valentine. However, the true identity of this enigmatic saint remains uncertain, as does the reason for our modern-day celebrations. The Catholic Church identifies at least three different martyrs named Valentine or Valentinus, none of whom had any connection to roses or chocolate.
The Legends of St. Valentine
Many scholars believe that the St. Valentine of legend was a priest in third-century Rome. During this era, Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young men, believing unmarried soldiers fought better. Valentine, defying the emperor, continued to perform secret marriage ceremonies. Eventually, he was discovered and sentenced to death, cementing his legacy as a symbol of love and bravery.
Another story suggests Valentine fell for his jailer's daughter while imprisoned by Claudius. Before his execution, he supposedly sent her a note signed "from your Valentine," giving rise to the tradition.
A more spiritual interpretation posits Valentine was persecuted for his Christian faith, sacrificing his life for the love of his religion.
The Festival to St. Valentine's Day
The transformation from pagan to Christian tradition may provide another clue. Valentine's Day might coincide with his death or be an attempt by the Church to Christianize the Lupercalia festival, a fertility celebration honoring the Roman god Faunus, held on February 15th. Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D., banning the un-Christian festival.
Valentine's Day Greetings
The oldest known Valentine's gift is a poem penned by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife in 1415 while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. This historic greeting is preserved in the British Library, London. Today, around one billion valentine cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second-largest card-sending occasion after Christmas.
The first commercial valentine cards in the U.S. were crafted in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Known as the Mother of the Valentine, she produced elaborate designs with lace, ribbons, and colorful "scrap" images.
The Story of Cupid
Another iconic figure associated with Valentine's Day is Cupid (from Latin "cupido," meaning desire). In Roman mythology, Cupid is the mischievous child of Venus, the goddess of love, with a Greek counterpart named Eros. It is said he used arrows to inspire love among gods and humans. A Roman myth also tells of white roses turning red from Venus’s blood after despairing over the loss of her beloved Adonis.
The Tradition of Sending Roses
Roses symbolize love, magic, hope, and passion and remain a beloved Valentine's Day gift. A dozen red roses is a classic choice, though many appreciate roses in other colors. With hundreds of hues available, it's easier than ever to find a rose as unique as your love.
In Conclusion
Whether you're giving or receiving a Valentine's gift, enjoy this day of love! This glimpse into the holiday’s history may add a little extra delight to your celebration.
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