The origin of the Valentines Day is shrouded in mystery and there are
varying opinions about it. Its origin has become theme of many legends.
St. Valentines Day as we celebrate today has remnants of both Christian
and ancient Roman traditions. According to some legends Saint Valentine
served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying his decree, which
outlawed marriage for young men.
Some legends have it that the Valentines Day originated from St.
Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity
on Feb. 14, 269 A.D. Today the Roman Church recognizes at least three
different saints named Valentine, all of whom were martyred. St.
Valentine may have been imprisoned and later killed for helping
Christians to escape harsh punishment in Roman prisons.
There is an interesting story portraying the love affair between St.
Valentine and the jailor's daughter. St. Valentine left a farewell note
for her, the note read- "from your Valentine². Valentine's Day
is said to have started in the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February
14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods
and Goddesses. The Romans regarded her as the Goddess of women and
marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the festival of
Lupercalia, in honor of Lupercus, the hunter of wolves. Legends aside,
the popularity of the Valentines Day rose manifold among the people and
in tune with it Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St.
Valentine, the patron saint of love and romance.
