Every February 14, across the World , candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from
The origin of this holiday for the expression of love really isn't romantic at all as many of us think .
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred
St. Valentine was a Roman Priest at a time when there was an emperor called Claudias who persecuted the church at that particular time.He also had an edict that prohibited the marriage of young people.
This was based on the hypothesis that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers because married soldiers might be afraid of what might happen to them or their wives or families if they died.
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.
There are myths surrounding Valentine's actions while in prison.
One of the men who was to judge him in line with the Roman law at the time was a man called Asterius, whose daughter was blind. He prayed with and healed the young girl with such astonishing effect that Asterius himself became Christian as a result.
According to another legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.
In the year 269 AD, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation all because of his stand for Christian marriage.
For his great service, Valentine was named a saint after his death
Valentine has come to be known as the patron saint of lovers. Before you enter into a Christian marriage you want some sense of God in your life—some great need of God in your life. And we know, particularly in the modern world, many people are meeting God through his Son, Jesus Christ."
If Valentine were here today, he would say to married couples that there comes a time where you're going to have to suffer. It's not going to be easy to maintain your commitment and your vows in marriage. Don't be surprised if the 'gushing' love that you have for someone changes to something less "gushing" but maybe much more mature.
##WHY DO WE CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY ON FEBRUARY 14
Some have claimed St Valentine's Day is linked to the ancient Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia, observed from February 13 to 15, but there is apparently no evidence of this despite the similar date.
The earliest mention of February 14 as an annual celebration of love was in a charter issued in 1400 by Charles VI of France that described royal festivities including romantic songs and ladies holding court to rule on lovers' quarrels.
Although there are many myths revealed about the celebration of Valentine's Day on February 14 but according to the Catholic Church it wasn't until more than 200 years later after the death of St Valentine that 14 February was proclaimed St Valentine's Day. By this time Rome had become Christian and the Catholic Church was determined to stamp out any remaining paganism. A pagan fertility ritual was held in February each year and the Pope abolished this festival and proclaimed 14 February Saint Valentine's Day, thus establishing this feast day on the Catholic Calendar of Saints.
###WHAT IS VALENTINE'S DAY LIKE IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES ?
Valentine's Day is most commonly associated with romantic love, with millions of Valentine's Day cards being exchanged each year. Gifts of flowers or a single red rose are sent with romantic messages to loved ones and couples spend special time together. Valentine's Day gift hampers are also a popular gift and typically include flowers, champagne and chocolates.
Many couples choose to celebrate Valentine's Day with dinner, a picnic or special home-cooked meal.
Some traditions include leaving lollies and gifts for children and others include acts of appreciation between friends
Now that you have known more about St Valentine's and the reason it is being celebrated on February 14 do well to show love to your Friends and not just your lovers because GOD IS LOVE, AND ANYONE THAT LOVETH IS LOVE BY GOD
More blessings to SIRKNIGHT who have given so many persons the opportunity to express their christain Faith
steemchurch-still small but inviting
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