Blogger: SkullantacySmith

Introduction

Valentine's Day occurs annually on the 14th of February to celebrate love and romance. Some love it, some hate it, and some boycott it altogether. However, have you ever wondered where this holiday originated or how it started?

Look no further than this quick guide to the man behind your favourite (or least favourite) holiday!

Saint Valentine

The beginnings of this holiday and its patron saint are actually a mystery. February has been known as the month of love for centuries and the origins are speculated to be a mixture of Christian and Ancient Roman tradition. But Saint Valentine is murky regarding his history.

According to the Catholic Church, there are three known saints (that were also martyred) known as Valentine or had some variation of the name, such as Valentinus. One legend states, that in the third century, Valentine was a priest in Rome. The emperor at the time, Claudius II, decided to outlaw marriage for young men after theorising single men made better soldiers than those with families. To defy this act, Valentine performed marriages between young, lovestruck couples in secret. Eventually, he was found out and sentenced to death by the emperor.

However, it is contended that the namesake of the holiday belongs to a bishop known as Saint Valentine of Terni. He was also beheaded by Claudius II outside of Rome.

Another story suggests Valentine helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons and was subsequently killed. In the prisons, they were beaten and tortured (no wonder they wanted to escape). An alternative legend records an imprisoned Valentine sent what is thought to be the first "valentine" to a young girl he fell in love with. She apparently visited him and is speculated to be the daughter of one of his jailors. Before his death, allegedly, he sent a final goodbye letter to her and signed it off with,

"From your Valentine."

This is a phrase that is still commonly used today to 'anonymously' sign cards or letters dedicated to the month of love.

Though he became a popular saint in England and France in the Middle Ages, the origins of these legends and what is true remains a complete mystery.

What do you think?

We would love to hear what you think is true and what you think is absolute rubbish. Do you have your own theories of who Valentine was? Which legend was your favourite? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

No matter whether you celebrate the season of love or not, I hope you enjoyed discovering the origins of Valentine's Day and the saint who is associated with the holiday. Happy Valentine's all!