Why We Celebrate Valentine's Day

It’s that time of year again, when everyone rushes to buy candy, flowers, and expensive jewelry to show their loved ones how loved they are. A Hallmark holiday. At one point in time, when the actual history was remembered, it was not so much what it is today. Why are they called “valentines?” Why do we buy candy, cards, and flowers? Let’s take a look at the reason why we celebrate February 14th.
In 270 AD in Rome, Roman Emperor Claudius II prohibited his soldiers from marrying due to the fact that married men had emotional ties to their families, and therefore would not make suitable soldiers. Noticing the injustice of the Emperor’s decree, Saint Valentine began marrying the forbidden couples in secret. He became known as the “friend of lovers.”
It did not take long for the emperor to discover the actions of the bishop, and Saint Valentine was arrested and thrown into prison. While in prison, the couples that had been married by the bishop visited and brought with them candy, cards, and flowers to show how grateful they were. While in prison, Saint Valentine fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Emperor Claudius II sentenced Saint Valentine to execution, and the date was set.
On the day of his execution, Saint Valentine requested a paper and pen, and wrote a letter to his love. He signed the love letter “Your Valentine.” Saint Valentine was executed on February 14th in 270 AD. The use of the term “valentine” has carried on, and February 14th is a day to be thankful for the love in our lives. Every year, we honor Saint Valentine and all of his efforts to bring love into the world.
There is a beautiful love story behind the origin of Valentine’s Day, and that part of it should be what is celebrated. So let’s buy our candy, cards, and flowers, and gather with our “valentines” to celebrate another Valentine’s Day!