history of valentine's day

on Saturday, October 22, 2011

Every year on feburary flowers, chochlates and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine across the world. But many of those people even dont know anything about St. Valentine and history of Valentine's Day. They only know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

I have heard many stories about valentine day. I am going to state one of them. Valentine's day was originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love stories. Some people also says that St. Valentine left a love letter for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend.


Now 14 February became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. 14 February was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as red flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball on 14 February.

People send valentine's day cards to their loved ones. In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.



I would say whatever the real story is behind this day is, its a great day of spreading love all around. This day would be celebrated all around the world to spread love. This day must not be taken as the girlfriend boyfriend relation but it would be taken just to show our love and affection for our loved ones.