Valentines Day History

On the 14th of February each year we celebrate Valentine's Day - a day that celebrates Love. People celebrate this day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those near and dear. So you must be wondering as to why is this Day called Valentine's Day. Who was Saint Valentines? And what is the association between the two? Well for this one needs to refer to history, precisely the history of Valentine's Day.

History of Valentine's Day

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military base. Supposedly, Valentine decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.

During the third century their lived a priest called Valentine in Rome. At that time Rome was being ruled by Claudius II. Claudius ll believed that soldiers who are unmarried worked better than those who are married and had family responsibilities. There was a rule in Rome that said that declared young men should not get married hoping to build a very strong military. Valentine was dead against this rule and he decided to get couples married secretly. In no time Emperor Claudius ll found out what Valentines was up to secretly and he immediately ordered to put him to death. To commemorate the sacrifice made by St. Valentine for the cause of love.

However there are other versions of the legend too. One of this says that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor's daughter. A day before being put to death he sent a letter to his beloved signing of with the words 'Your Valentine'. In a way we can say that the first Valentine was sent by Valentine himself. This note was written on February 14, 269 A.D. This is a tradition that has become a part of our lives and now we follow the same. From here starts this tradition of gifting cards, goodies and gifts to your special on this day.

In the seventeenth century Great Britain started celebrating Valentine's Day. In the eighteenth century it became popular practice that people close to each other started celebrating this day by exchanging gifts, token of love and handwritten notes. By the end of the century people also stared exchanging printed cards to express what their heartfelt. Worldwide this tradition has started to pick up and card exchange, gifts exchange has become a tradition now. In India too people have started acknowledging bonds of love and Valentine's Day is very much a part of our lives too.

Another popular name we hear on Valentine's Day is that of Cupid. Cupid, which in Latin is cupido, "desire". In Roman mythology Cupid is the son of Venus, goddess of love. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Eros, god of love. Cupid is often said to be a mischievous boy who goes around wounding both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love.

Perhaps we'll never know the true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure...February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. Record has it that after Christmas the greatest number of cards are sent on Valentine's Day!!AstroSage.com wishes you a very Happy Valentine's Day!! Believe in the power of love and let love bring the best in you.