|
|
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest
who served during the third century in Rome. When
Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made
better soldiers than those with wives and families,
he outlawed marriage for young men - his potential soldiers. 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.
Another legend suggests that Valentine actually
sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself.
While in prison, it is believed that Valentine
fell in love with a young girl, who may have
been his jailor's daughter and visited him
during his confinement. Before his death,
it is alleged that he wrote her a letter,
which he signed 'From your Valentine,
a now famous expression.
No one knows the exact truth behind this day but
the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a
sympathetic, heroic, and most importantly,
romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, Valentine
was one of the most popular saints in England
and France.
He died on February 14, 269 A.D.
|
Login |
