The History of Valentine's Day
The History of Valentine's Day
Every February we celebrate a wonderful emotion, love. Although we each should try and cultivate this love each day, many wonder why February 14th? Each Valentine's Day we give flowers, candy and jewelry to those we love. We do this in honor of St. Valentine. You may be wondering, "Who is St. Valentine"?
Different cultures detail the actual origin of Valentine’s Day with their own “story” as to where or how the celebration began. The Romans celebrated a festival called Lupercalia on February 15th. This festival was held to ward off the danger of wolves to their flocks and honored their God Lupercalia. Some people think that Valentine's Day is based on this festival.
Another legend is that St. Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. During that time, there was an Emperor who ruled Rome named Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married and outlawed marriage for all young men serving in his army. Supposedly, Valentine decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out he had him imprisoned, and later even put to death. Some stories say that the young couples, who St. Valentine had married, gave flowers and letters to Valentine when they visited him in the prison. He would tell them to simply love one another.
In a slightly different version of the legend, 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' to his love when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine' with a silver ring enclosed to show their commitment. These words are still used on cards today.
Perhaps we'll never know the true origin of this man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure...February has been the month to celebrate love for as long as we can remember and it simply feels good to Celebrate Love.
This Valentines Day Celebrate love by gifting your special someone a Peter Stone original. Each piece is forged in fire and silver, created by the flames of love and passion.
This Valentines Day, Say it with love
Say it with Silver
Say it with Peter Stone Jewelry
