The history of Valentines day is quite vague really and according to legend this annual holiday stems from the Roman festival of Lupercalis which is a fertility celebration which is commemorated on February 15th. As Christianity came to Europe these pagan holidays were very often renamed . In 496 AD Pope Gelasius made this pagan festival a Christian feast day stating that February 14th to be the feast day of Saint Valentine who in fact lived in the 3rd century.
It is believed that St Valentine was really disliked by the Roman emperor Claudius II.It is said that St Valentine was a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to his wishes who had banned marriage for younger men. His reasoning behind this was that he thought married men were more emotionally attached to their families and did not make such good soldiers. He believed that it made men weak so he decided to ban them from marrying.
Valentine realised that this was so unjust and witnessing the trauma of these young lovers he would arrange to meet them in a secret place and would perform a marriage ceremony. However Claudius discovered this and had him arrested.
While Valentine was in prison he met a jailer by the name of Asterius. He had a beloved daughter who could not see. Asterius had faith in Valentine and asked him if he could heal the daughters blindness. A miracle occurred and she was able to see again.
Just before Valentine was due to be executed he asked the jailer for a pen and paper and wrote a farewell message to the girl and signed it “From Your Valentine” a phrase that has lasted forever!
In modern times we continue to celebrate February 14th by exchanging gifts and cards to our loved ones. One gift that is particularly popular is the “red rose” which signifies romantic love and passion. So, if you want to say “I love you” nothing expresses this better than a beautiful bunch of red roses and maybe chocolates or perfume to show the lady in your life how much you care!
Tags: Religion Belief, february 14, Pope Gelasius I, secret marriage ceremonies, history of Valentines day, feast day, February 14th <BR/>










