St
Valentin's history:
Valentine's
Day is celebrated on 14th February, the feast day of St. Valentine. It is a
traditional celebration in which lovers, partners and married couples express
their love and affection for each other. In some countries it is known as The
Day of Lovers or The Day of Love and Friendship.These days it is celebrated
with the exchanging of cards known as valentines, with patterns on of hearts or
Cupid; but with the rise of the Internet the custom of exchanging virtual cards
has also increased. Common as well is the tradition of giving roses or tokens
of love.
Why is it celebrated on the 14th February?
Some
think that Valentine's Day is on 14th February because this is the date when
Saint Valentine died or was buried. Others believe that it is celebrated
mid-February because it was an attempt by the Catholic church to christianize
the celebrations of the pagan festival of fertility 'Lupercalia' which started
on 15th February.
What is the the history of St
Valentine?
One of the most well-known legends dates back to Rome in the
3rd century. In this period, soldiers were not allowed to get married because
it was believed that single men were better soldiers in battle than those that
were married, because they were emotionally attached to their families. Faced
with this situation, the figure of the Christian priest Valentine appeared, who
considered the obligation on soliders not to marry to be injust. He therefore
decided to unite partners in matrimony with the Christian blessing. Through his
actions, he emerged as the protector of those in love, because he carried out
secret marriages all over Rome, until he was summoned by the Emperor Claudius
II.Asterius, a deputy of Rome, was responsible for the condemned Valentine. He
made fun of Christianity and put Valentine to the test, asking him to return
the sight of his daughter who was born blind. The priest accepted and performed
the miracle. Asterius and his family became Christian, but they could not save
Valentine from death, and he was executed on 14th February. Two centuries
afterwards, the Catholic church revived the story and shortly afterwards,
Valentine was canonized.
