History of Valentine's Day
It was the third century in ancient Rome when the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Claudius, now known as "Claudius The Cruel". With mounting pressure from other empires of the time, Claudius needed his army to be bigger and stronger. As the egotist he was, Claudius expected that young men would flock to volunteer as loyal soldiers.
But Love Was Much Too Strong
Many Roman men were growing tired of the endless wars and spawned by love of family, wives and sweethearts, men grew progressively reluctant to go away to battle. So the volunteer army began to dwindle.
Claudius Became Furious
Claudius decided that if men were not married, they would be more likely to join the army. So he outlawed marriage and created penalties of severe punishment for those that violated the new anti-marriage law.
The Priest Valentine Took Up The Cause
Valentine began to secretly marry couples that fell in love. Marriage ceremonies were whispered under candlelight as everyone listened for the steps of Claudius' soldiers seeking out violators. Valentine was finally caught and sentenced to death. He stayed cheerful and committed to the cause as he awaited his execution date. Young people in love came to visit him and left gifts, flowers and notes. One of these people was the daughter of a prison guard who allowed her to visit Valentine in his cell. She was blind and Valentine gave her comfort as they spent hours just sitting and talking.
The Day Valentine Was Executed
On February 14, 269 A.D. Valentine died. But before he died, Valentine left his friend a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. He signed it "Love from Your Valentine".
Thus Was Born Valentine's Day
Eventually Valentine was Sainted by the Pope and became St. Valentine. The note he left his friend began the custom of exchanging love messages on St. Valentine's Day. Although differing customs and traditions were born over time, Valentine's Day is still officially observed on February 14 every year. St. Valentine became the Patron Saint of Lovers.
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