Every February 14th, couples, friends, and family alike express their different adorations for one another through gift-giving and handmade cards so as to continue the celebrations of Valentine’s Day. But, where did the romance-filled holiday even come from? The Feast of Saint Valentine, otherwise more commonly known as Valentine’s Day, is actually a holiday originating from many legends and cultures.
Some Christian legends highlight the day as an annual celebration used to honor the death anniversary of Valentine, a defiant man-made prisoner who faced higher powers in the name of love. During the third century in Rome, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers as compared to those with wives or families, therefore outlawing marriage as a means of building a stronger army. Valentine, however, found this decision to be unjust and unreasonable, and, in turn, performed marriages for young couples who sought out a lawful relationship in secret. Once these weddings were discovered by Claudius, he ordered Valentine to be sent to prison and put to death, hence creating a tragic story worth honoring each year by showing intense adoration to those we care most about. This legend celebrates a legacy of love and continues the effort of a man fueled on connection.
Other legends suggest a more scandalous story, one of a savior lost in battle and one of star-crossed lovers. One story explains Valentine as someone who attempted to free Christians from Roman prisons, where they were often heavily mistreated and abused. In doing so, based on one theory branching from this legend, getting killed as a means to stop the escape of these prisoners. However, when looking at another theory where his rescues aren’t made in vain, he is captured and made into a prisoner. One day, when his incarcerator’s daughter falls ill, Valentine strongly assists in her healing, causing the two to fall in love. Before he is put to death, Valentine sends a letter to the girl, signing it “From your Valentine,” an expression that has stood the test of time and is still very commonly used, especially in premade and handmade cards.
Through all the legends surrounding Valentine as the inspiration for the day of a perfect excuse to eat an entire box of chocolates by yourself, he is remembered as a hero, a tender warrior, and, most importantly, a significant symbol of all things love and romance. Nevertheless, Valentine is not the most commonly associated symbol when people think of this romantic celebration. Cupid is usually considered the face of Valentine’s Day, despite the commemoration being named after the former. This association stems simply from Cupid’s ability to shoot his arrows and land them with flying sparks following the impact.
Regardless of its origin, Valentine’s Day is the best reason to express your love and adoration for those around you, and an even more perfect excuse to wear as many hearts as your closet allows. Whether you view it as a day of romance or if you prefer to look at it from a Galentine’s Day perspective, make sure to get your roses ready and be on the lookout for flying Cupid’s arrows!
