Valentine's Day History

      Saint Valentine, according to romantic legend, was a kind-hearted Roman priest who married young couples against the wishes of Emperor Claudius II, and was beheaded for his deeds on the 14th of February. In truth, the exact origins and identity of St. Valentine are unclear. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "At least three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under the date of 14 February." Two of these men lived in the third century A.D., one being the bishop and the other a priest of Rome. (Some speculate that these two figures were actually the same man.) Both seem to have been persecuted for their beliefs; the Roman priest was beaten and then beheaded on or about the year 270. Legends vary on how the martyr's name became connected with romance: the date of his death may have become mingled with the feast of Lupercalia, a pagan festival of love, or with the ancient belief that birds first mate in the middle of February. In modern times Valentine's Day is a day of special romantic sentiment and gift-giving among lovers.

How to celebrate this holiday?

St Valentine’s Day comes on February 14. It is not a legal or a national holiday. Banks and offices are not closed, but it is a happy little festival for young people. It is widely celebrated among people of all ages by exchange of “valentines”. A “valentine” may mean a special greeting-card or a little present. It may be for the person who receives the gift. St Valentine is the patron of sweethearts. February 14 is the anniversary of his death. The day is the time to send little gifts to those you love. Flowers and candy are favorite presents which sweethearts send to each other. Valentine candy is packed in red heart-shaped boxes and sold for this one day. Valentines are special greeting cards. They are often colored red, have red trimmings and pictures of hearts. Some “valentines” are very fancy, they are trimmed with paper lace and little paper ribbon. They have verses of love poetry printed on them. It is a good day for parties, especially by young people. The hosts trim the hall with red and white paper hearts. Refreshments are often colored red, like red candy and punch. Sandwiches and cakes are often cut in the shape of hearts. Sometimes, a King and Queen of Hearts are chosen for the evening of dance.