The History of Valentines Day
By Molly Allen (1-17-25)
The history of one of the most romantic holiday’s is actually full of mystery. February has always been known as the month of romance and Valentines Day has traces of both Roman and Christian traditions and beliefs. Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine who was a Catholic clergyman. But how exactly was St. Valentine and how did he become linked to this holiday?
There were at least three different saints named Valentine who were recognized by the Catholic Church but they were all martyred. One legend includes a priest that served in the third century in Rome, who’s name was Valentine. During his time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men would make better soldiers than married ones, so he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine thought this law was completely unfair and continued to perform marriages in secret. When he was discovered, he was ordered to be put to death, and was beheaded.
Some people believe that Saint Valentine of Terni, who was a bishop, was the true namesake of the holiday. He, like the priest Valentine, was beheaded by Claudius II.
Other stories say that Valentine may have been murdered for attempting to save Christian’s who were imprisoned in harsh Roman jails, where many of them were beaten. As claimed by one legend, a jailed Valentine actually addressed the first ever “valentine” to a girl who he fell in love with, possibly his jailer's daughter, who visited him during his imprisonment. Allegedly before his death, he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine”, which is a common expression that is still used today.
However, although the legend of Valentine is unclear and the story has never been set in stone, all of the stories emphasize romance and heroism.
