It’s been a significant day in history for thousands of years, and here’s why….
The history of Valentine’s Day has many different historical origins. All of which contain themes of Love. The Ancient Roman tradition that took place was, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15. But then, Pope Gelasius I recast this pagan festival as a Christian feast day in 496 A.D. declaring February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day.
There were multiple St Valentines at this time in history and it remains a mystery as to which Valentine the Pope was commemorating with this specific day. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were at least three early Christian saints by that name. One was a priest in Rome, another a bishop in Terni, and of a third St. Valentine almost nothing is known except that he met his end in Africa. Rather astonishingly, all three Valentines were said to have been martyred on February 14th. Most scholars believe that the St. Valentine of the holiday was a priest who attracted the disfavor of Roman emperor, Cladius II around 270 A.D. According to one legend, Claudius II had prohibited marriage for young men, claiming that bachelors made better soldiers. Valentine continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies but was eventually apprehended by the Romans and put to death. Another legend has it that Valentine, imprisoned by Claudius, fell in love with the daughter of his jailer. Before he was executed, he allegedly sent her a letter signed “from your Valentine.”
Excerpt from Valentines Day History by Borgna Brunner
Pictured:
18K White Gold, Lorelei Interlocking Diamond Heart Necklace
18in to 16in Adjustable Cable Link Chain
Total Carat Weight:
Sixteen (16) Diamonds = .30ct
Color G/H; Clarity VS2
Recent Comments