February 14 in the United States of America and across the globe, candy, flower and other special gift items are being exchanged by loved ones in the name of St. valentine. Where does this historic culture emanate from and who is the so-called St. valentine? We will take a cursory look into this critical seasoned questions from the century old ancient Roman history to the Victorian England period
SAINT VALENTINE THE LEGEND
An approximate 150 million Valentine's day greeting cards are being exchanged during this celebration. This makes it the second most popular card-sending event after Christmas.
St. val was a catholic priest who served during the 3rd century in #Rome# during the reign of Emperor Claudius 11; who obliged that the single men would make better soldiers than the married. He also outlawed marriage for young men
Thus, upon recognising the level of injustice being perpetuated under the watch of Emperor, Valentine began to solemnize the marriages of young adults. This soon led to civil uprising and many Roman Christians were imprisoned as a result.
PAGAN VS CHRISTIANS:THE HIGHJACKED
This popular occasion is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial which occured at about 272 A.D (C. 270). The pagans were of an insisting belief that the Roman Christians highjacked the festival from them, which they referred to as *Lupercalia. The legend of Valentine's even started pairing young men and women as time went on. The practice continued until the "love enthusiast priest was arrested and put behind bars".
VALENTINE AND ROMANCE
Sooner the festival of #lupercalia survived than it was outlawed and Valentine's Day became unpopular until towards the end of the 5th Century under Pope Gelasius who declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day; the day should be a day of romance. The Duke of Orleans, Charles, in 1415 wrote a poem on Valentine which is the oldest Valentine in existence . The poem was written to his wife while he was in prison in the tower of London. Seven years later, King Henry V hired composer/writer (John Lydgate) to write a love note to Catherine of Valois.
Love is a beautify thing Love is not lust.
When you love, let it be unconditional.