Yes it is almost that time of year, Valentines Day. Exchanging candy, flowers, and cards with that special someone, but what is the history behind this holiday? Who is St. Valentine, for which this holiday is named for?
Not much is known about St. Valentine, however their are 3 legends about this paton saint:
- 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.
These stories have some truth in them, but they are still clouded in mystery. However, it is no mystery that during the Middle Ages (The Age of Chrivary) that St. Valentine was one of the more populars saints of the time.
Why is Valentine's Day celebrated in February? It is believed that February 14th is the anniversary of St. Valentines death and/or burial around 270 A.D. Others believe that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's Day in the middle of February to "Christianize" celebrations of the pagan holiday of Lupercalia.
The oldest know valentine, which is still in existence today, is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. He wrote the poem during his imprisonment in the Tower of London, following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.
Valentine's Day gain popularity in Great Britain, during the 17th Century. In the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small gifts and handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to the improvement in printing technology. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity.
Americans probably began exchanging hand-made Valentines in the early 1700's. In the 1840's, Ester A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America.
According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentines cards are sent each year, making Valentine's day the 2nd largest card-sending holiday of the year.
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
information found at www.history.com
