Today is the 14th of February, the famous valentines day. At least, I don't know how it is in other countries but here in The Netherlands it's a big thing for most people.
I wonder if the people know the history of Valentines day. If you look into it there are different stories were Valentines day is coming from. But no one knows it for sure.
Is it coming from this story:
Roman priest who perished during the Christian persecution under Emperor Claudius II Gothicus (268-270). The priest would have refused to give up his faith. Instead, he even tried to convert the emperor. This Valentine eventually died as a martyr. Shortly before his execution he would have done a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer. Handy because at least he could be declared holy. Without wonder, no saint is the rule at the Vatican.
Or because of..
A bishop from Terni. He was beheaded in 273 during the Christian persecutions of Emperor Aurelian. Little is known about him.
Or has it something to do with this...
Since the eighteenth century it has also been said that the Vatican introduced the feast day of the holy Valentine to replace the so-called Lupercelia. This was an old fertility festival in honor of the Roman god Lupercus (or Faunus). The old party was pretty popular, also with the Christians, and Pope Gelasius I wanted - that is the story - to put an end to it. He therefore decided to introduce a new, responsible party around the same day. A celebration in honor of the holy Valentine. There is no proof for the latter, however. The pope wrote a long letter in which he forbade the faithful from celebrating the Lupercalia. But in that letter no Valentinus was mentioned at all. There is therefore no evidence for a connection between the Roman and the Christian feast.
One thing I know for sure.. everyone who is celebrating this day is not celebrating it because of the stories above. In my opinion, this day is a big commerce day were the stores earn some extra money.
What do you think?
