History of Valentines Day

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Last last year, during valentines day I have attended a company interview, then one man asked me about the history of valentines day since that day is valentines day, and why I am wearing black that day, I said I just want to celebrate the day silently. I haven't answered the question about the history of valentines day, so I would like to share it with you, every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day and its patron saint - is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saint named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One Legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudis II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men - his crop of 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. Claudies 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. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first Valentine's greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl - who may have been his jailors daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wroter her a leter, which he signed From your Valentine, an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the valentine legends is murky, the stories ceretainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.