On February 14 around the year 278 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed.
Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was
having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of
their strong attachment to their wives and families.
To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius
and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who
condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.
Legend also has it that while in jail, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From
Your Valentine."
For his great service, Valentine was named a saint after his death.
In truth, the exact origins and identity of St. Valentine are unclear. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "At least three different Saint
Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under the date of 14 February." One was a priest in Rome, the second one was
a bishop of Interamna (now Terni, Italy) and the third St. Valentine was a martyr in the Roman province of Africa.
Legends vary on how the martyr's name became connected with romance. The date of his death may have become mingled with the Feast of Lupercalia, a
pagan festival of love. On these occasions, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius decided to put an end to the Feast of Lupercalia, and he declared that February 14 be celebrated as St Valentine's Day.
Gradually, February 14 became a date for exchanging love messages, poems and simple gifts such as flowers...or messages on a sandy beach.
"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby
toddler coming at me with a weapon."
Skipjack Joe - 2-14-2012 at 10:20 AM
How did that exchange with Don Juan go? I remember faintly.
Don Juan's woman:
"Don Juan, NOW you finally know what love is".
Don Juan:
"Not finally. But once again".
Placing things in Perspective
MrBillM - 2-14-2012 at 10:21 AM
MY wife (and many others) would say that he died for a GOOD cause and started a tradition having far more greater importance than anything else he
might have done.DENNIS - 2-14-2012 at 12:36 PM
"Feb 14, 278:
St. Valentine beheaded."
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Must have been messin' with them ol' timey cartel guys. Skipjack Joe - 2-14-2012 at 03:53 PM
This is the eve to rent "An English Patient" guys.
And if your wife's maiden name, which she still uses, is Valentine, I recommend a potted rose which can be planted outside in the spring. Happy V.
Day Cathy Sue. ABULisaR. - 2-14-2012 at 10:44 PM
I don't know about the rest of you, but I teach kindergarten, and I'm feelin' the love! ♥ ♥ ♥
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!
Rent a movie...
EnsenadaDr - 2-14-2012 at 10:58 PM
What about The Shining...RedRum...???
Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
This is the eve to rent "An English Patient" guys.
Or "Casablanca".
Your choice.
Scarface?
The Gull - 2-15-2012 at 08:08 AM
It's a love story.Pompano - 2-15-2012 at 08:28 AM
"The Sound of Music"...hands down, a Valentine Day must-see.
