Valentine’s Day History

In memory of Saint Valentine, we celebrate Valentine’s Day every year on February 14th. Around 269 AD, Emperor Claudius II stopped all marriages and engagements in Rome. He stopped the marriages because he was having a hard time having men sign up for his Army. Emperor Claudius II thought that this was because the men did not want to leave their families and loved ones back home.A priest name Saint Valentine lived in Rome and thought that this was wrong, so he helped perform marriages in secret.When Emperor Claudius II found out about the secret marriages, he had Saint Valentine thrown in jail while Valentine waited to be killed.The legend states that St.Valentine had been persecuted for being a Christian by Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius attempted to persuade Valentine to convert to Roman Paganism, but failed. After Claudius’ attempts to convert Valentine had failed he was executed, but he didn’t leave this world without leaving his mark. It is said that before Valentine’s execution had taken place, that he had fallen in love with the daughter of his jailer. He would write letters back and forth with the jailer's daughter and his very last letter signed it from your valentine, which became known as the very first “Valentine”. Starting the tradition of Valentine’s Day. Today, Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church.In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day became popular in the 17th century. Lovers and friends exchanged small tokens of affection and handwritten notes. By the end of the 18th century, printed cards replaced handwritten notes. Valentine's Day today has become a huge trend especially with the teens in countries around the world. Those in love start planning for the Valentine’s Day celebrations with their boyfriend/girlfriend. One of the most popular customs of Valentine’s Day is going on a date with their sweetheart. Those without a date usually go home and watch tv and eat candies they bought for themselves. The custom originated from the popular English belief that birds chose their partners on February 14. For this reason, Valentine's Day was called “the Birds’ Wedding Day” in parts of Sussex.