Ah yes, it’s that time of year again—when men frantically dash into stores, scrambling for last-minute cards and gifts for their beloved. Sweaty palms, nervous twitches… you get the picture. I say men because, let’s face it, you rarely see women in shops panic-buying Valentine’s presents. They’re smarter—they got theirs a week ago.
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love and romance, but its origins are far from the sweet, heart-shaped clichés we celebrate today. In fact, its history is rooted in brutality.
A Bloody Beginning
Under the reign of Claudius Gothicus the Cruel, Rome was embroiled in numerous bloody and unpopular wars. To maintain a strong army, Claudius needed soldiers—but he faced a problem. He believed Roman men were reluctant to enlist because of their deep attachment to their wives and families. His solution? A shocking decree: he banned all marriages and engagements in Rome.
Valentine, a defiant Roman priest who saw the injustice in Claudius’ ruling. Ignoring the decree, he continued to secretly marry young lovers. When his actions were discovered, the emperor had him arrested.
While in prison, Valentine befriended his jailer’s daughter, and according to legend, left her a farewell note signed, “From Your Valentine.”
On February 14, around the year 270, Valentine was sentenced to be beaten and beheaded. He was later canonized as a saint, forever linking his name to love and sacrifice.
The Legacy of Love
Although historical records suggest there were multiple early Christian martyrs named Valentine, the world has come to embrace this particular tale as the origin of Valentine’s Day. Whether he truly risked his life for love remains uncertain—but centuries later, we still celebrate February 14 by exchanging heartfelt letters, chocolates, and gifts in his name.
So, as you rush to buy that last-minute bouquet, take a moment to remember the man who quite literally lost his head for love.
sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day
https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day
https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
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