Ask Mike: The History of Valentine’s Day
Hey Guys,
Like New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day is one of those “love it or hate it” holidays. But, even if you’re not a fan of February 14th, there’s no avoiding it. So, who was the real “St. Valentine”? Was he as romantic as the folks at Hallmark would lead us to believe?
I wanted to find one guy we can all blame for the candy hearts and corny cards. But, according to the experts at the History Channel, not everybody agrees who St. Valentine really was. One of the more popular theories claims that Valentine was a priest (irony alert!), who served in third century Rome. According to legend, Emperor Claudius II believed that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine “defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.” He was later put to death for his actions.
History.com writes that some believe St. Valentine actually sent the very first Valentine’s Day card. While locked up in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with the jailor’s daughter. “Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today.” History.com acknowledges that this is more legend than fact, but it does make a nice story.
So, why is it celebrated on February 14? I assumed it was because this is when St. Valentine was either born or died. Apparently, that may not have been the case. Some experts believe that the Christian church might have started celebrating Valentine’s Day in the middle of February as a way to “christianize” certain celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival.
Things have obviously changed a bit since then. Folks started handing each other hand-made valentine cards in the 1700s. “In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.” Eat your heart out, Hallmark.
What do you guys think of Valentine’s Day? Love it? Loathe it? If you aren’t a fan, what is your favorite holiday? Please leave a comment below.
Thanks for reading,
**This blog was first published in February, 2009
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I don’t really mind Valentine’s Day all that much…it’s fun for kids in school “) I also always like it when I’m dating someone, of course. the only thing I can’t stand, though, is the fact that some people can get really annoying with it, especially on facebook. it’s also nice because some places will have really good deals on certain things around Valentine’s Day (& I’m not just talking about restaurants, chocolate shops or flower shops, either).
oh yeah, I forgot to mention that it’s still not my favorite holiday, though. my favorite holidar is either Thanksgiving or Christmas.
A LOVE FICTION SO TRUE!
I’m happy that you have been honest regarding the PAGAN roots of this festival which many consider Christian. Thank you and GOD bless!
i am not sure
i think that this is a stupid way to celebrate love and my favourite holiday is new year
I love the day to take the time out to Share and be romantic.. if you usually are not. I dont like the historical crime wave on that day.
It does intensify you being alone which is why people hate it.
Its great to surprise someone and make them feel special.. for no reason..
flowers anytime do that for me!
Peaches
No. He was not a romantic figure. He was originally a roman identity, depicted by a winged cherub who was blindfolded, and had a bow and arrows.
I hate valentines day. I am usually single, so I end up staying home all day watching movies by myself.
Cupid thy name is Valentine denoting ‘Every thing is Fair in Love & War ‘. Then the pastors did not marry but indulged in Erotic Games.
This is a harmful pass-time for the Society. Sainthood must show a path towards Emancipation & Salvation !
why contain yourself to this ?
When I was a teenager, I always get excited when Valentine’s day approaches as this would mean a date for me. However, it never came to my mind to think about how Valentine’s day started…not until when I was around 25 years old(I think).
Today, I still love Valentine’s Day. There is nothing wrong with it. Me and my wife always joke with it when it approaches… reminiscing all those early days when we were not yet married.
Now, I usually ask people around me how Valentine’s day started, and you know what, 98% do not about it. They simply go with the flow and celebrate what they call love month.
Btw, the history.com’s article is very helpful. Thanks for sharing it.