Each year, couples from around the globe celebrate their love on February 14. They exchange cards, flowers, chocolate and other gifts, and go out for special dates. But have you ever wondered why we do this?
There were actually three saints with the name Valentine, all of whom were martyred on February 14. This makes it a bit harder to pinpoint the exact origins of the holiday, but a popular theory is that the holiday is named after St. Valentine, a priest in the 3rd century.
photo credit: karen horton
This priest performed secret marriages against the wishes of Roman Emperor Claudius II who thought men should stay single, as they would be more likely to enlist in the army. Rumor has it that he healed the jailer’s blind daughter, and then sent her a note before his execution that said “From your Valentine.”
England’s King Henry VIII declared Valentine’s Day an official holiday in 1537. At this time it was still a religious holiday; it was another 500 years before Valentine’s Day cards became non-religious. The day remained a Church holiday until 1969 when Pope Paul VI removed it from the official Church calendar.
Whatever the background reason, it has become an American tradition to celebrate this day and show your love for the special people in your life.
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