The ‘Valentine’s Day’ Story
In the month of February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, candy, gifts and cards to our friends and to those we love. We do this in honor of Saint Valentine. You may be wondering, “Who is St. Valentine”?
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.
Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first ‘valentine’ himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it ‘Your Valentine’, words still used on cards today.
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. In fact, Valentine’s Day ranks second only to Christmas in the number of greeting cards sent. *
The specially designed Valentine version of Father’s Love Letter is available for free download on the Resource Page.
And…..HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
*The credit for this information comes from postings by Kathie Walters, TBN and other research over the years.