There are various theories and interesting legends surrounding the origins of St Valentine's Day. Some legends trace the origin of Valentine's Day to Pagan times while others link it to one or more Saints of early Christian Church.
Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D. On the day of his death, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it
"From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Another theory as to the origins of this holiday is that it was an attempt to "christianize" the Pagans who also celebrated a holiday on February 15th. This holiday was known as the festival of Lupercalia, held every year beginning February 15th, was a fertility festival in honor of the Roman god Faunus, the god of agriculture, and Rome's founders Romulus and Remus.
While the origins of Valentine's Day come from Pagan and/or ancient Roman roots, today it is celebrated by people in many countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Like most growing up I "bought" into the whole commercialization of the day. Over the past couple of years I have started to look at this day as one to celebrate those in my life, who through their love and support have kept me smiling and my heart open.
Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends in BlogLand... You make each day brighter with your wonderful posts and comments!!
How do you celebrate
St. Valentine's Day...
Do you keep it simple with a card and small token of love and appreciation
or do you go all out and expect your significant other to go all out too?
