The history of Valentine´s Day and the history of its patron saint is shrouded in mystery.
We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine´s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. 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.
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, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "Valentine" greeting himslef after he fell in love with a young girl possibly his jailor´s dauther who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed " From your Valentine" an expression that is still in use today.
Recovered : 17/07/2016
Abailable : http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day
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