"FROM YOUR VALENTINE" THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE'S DAY


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This Valentine's we have taken to the history books to research the origins of the day; and, while they are not entirely clear, the occasion does appear to have roots in both Christian and ancient Roman traditions.


One popular legend associated with Valentine's Day involves a Christian martyr named St. Valentine. According to belief, during the rule of Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century AD, marriage for young men was prohibited because it was believed that single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, a priest in Rome, defied this decree and continued to perform marriages in secret. Eventually, he was discovered, arrested, and executed on February 14th.


Another legend suggests that St. Valentine may have sent the first "Valentine" greeting himself. While imprisoned, he is said to have fallen in love with the jailer's daughter and sent her a note signed "from your Valentine" before his execution. These stories, however, are more rooted in folklore than historical fact.


The association of St. Valentine with romantic love became more prominent during the Middle Ages; and by the 14th century, Valentine's Day was commonly celebrated as a day of love and affection. The practice of exchanging love notes and tokens on this day gained popularity in England during the 17th century.


And so Valentine's Day continued to evolve over the centuries: the exchange of handmade cards became a common practice in the 18th century, and by the 19th century, printed cards were widely available for purchase. The Victorians were known for their elaborate and ornate Valentine's cards, often adorned with lace, ribbons, and romantic symbols.


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In the modern era, Valentine's Day has become a widely celebrated occasion. People exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and other tokens of affection with their loved ones. The day is also an opportunity for couples to express their love and appreciation for each other through romantic gestures and special activities.


While the historical origins of Valentine's Day are somewhat murky, the celebration has endured and evolved over the centuries, becoming a popular and commercially significant occasion for expressing love and affection around the world.


VAL ENTINE S THE HI S TORY


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