The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in
mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St.
Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian
and ancient Roman tradition.
So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this
ancient rite? Today, 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 --
his crop of potential soldiers. 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, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine'
greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in
love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who
visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he
wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression
that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends
is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic,
heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the
Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and
France.
>From: vinny samarco <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Echurch-USA The Electronic Church
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Does Anyone know where Valentine's day myth came from?
>Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2004 10:52:06 -0800
>
>Hi,
>Ddo any of you know how the Valentine thing ever started? Obviously, like
>/Christmas, it is a merchant's holiday.Vinny
_________________________________________________________________
Optimize your Internet experience to the max with the new MSN Premium
Internet Software. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200359ave/direct/01/
|