Saint Valentine

Being a history lover, I decided to do some research on Valentine's Day.  I was unprepared to learn Valentine's Day is not all roses. 

 

 

There are various theories on the origin of Valentine's Day, one of the most popular dates back to the time of the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius II, 270 A.D.  Claudius did not want men to marry during wartime because he believed single men made better soldiers.  Bishop Valentine went against his wises and performed secret wedding ceremonies.  For this, Valentine was jailed and then executed by order of the Emperor on February 14.  While in jail, Valentine wrote a love note to the jailor's daughter, signing it, "from your Valentine."  Sound familiar.

 

 

Many believe the X symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times.  People who could not write their names signed in front of a witness with an X.  The X was then kissed to show their sincerity. 

 

A love knot is a symbol of undying love, as its twisting loops have no beginning and no end.  In the past, they were made of ribbon or drawn on paper to prove one's eternal love.  The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India.  It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife.

 

The ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia on February 14 in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses, Juno was also the goddess of women and marriage. 

 

 

All these years I have thought Valentine's Day was about selling cards, flowers and chocolates--time for me to expand my world and thought process.