Whatsapp
Saint Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on the 14th of February, to honour the early Saint Valentine. But why?
The origins of Saint Valentine.
During the Year 270, the Roman Empire was led by Claudius II. At the time, many Romans were converting to Christianity. Claudius wanted to prevent his soldiers converting to Christianity. To do this, he would not allow them to marry. Many people, including Saint Valentine, disagreed with this decision and began to marry these Roman soldiers in secret. This created Valentine’s reputation for believing in the importance of love. Eventually, Valentine was discovered and was jailed for his crimes.
How did Valentine’s Day develop?
200 years later, Rome had become Christian and the Catholic Church were trying to remove the remaining pagans from Rome. On the 14th of February, a pagan ritual was held. The Pope decided to put his festival on the same day and named it “Saint Valentine’s Day” - named after Valentine’s early reputation for love. Afterwards, this became one of the feast days on the Catholic Calendar of Saints.
But what about today?
February 14th is celebrated worldwide as the “Day of Love,” but Saint Valentine’s Day is celebrated in a handful of countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Mexico, Italy and the United States.
Valentine’s day traditions are slightly different in each country. For the most part, it involves exchanging gifts and showing your love for one another.