Birth of Valentine’s day
Valentine’s Day or the Lovers’ day is celebrated by lovers all over the world to demonstrate their love and admiration towards their dear ones. Actually, what is the history of Valentine’s Day and how did it all start?
The history of Valentine’s day dates back to the time when Romans were ruling in the 4 th century BC. At that time, to mark the Lupercalia festival which was an annual Roman festival held on February 15th, it was customary for young men to select maidens via a lottery and pair with them for an year or longer. This would often lead to love to blossom between them which, subsequently, resulted in their marriage. However, the then Emperor Claudius II, was opposed to the custom. He was under the strong belief that soldiers, once they got married would forget their duty to the nation. He, therefore, banished the tradition from his kingdom; but the common people wanted to continue with it.
Later, a Catholic Bishop named Valentine entered the scene. The common people poured their woes to Valentine who listened to them with sympathy. Being a firm believer in love, he started conducting secret marriages to those who are in love, in a temple nearby the emperor’s palace. The emperor came to know of this and was enraged. Immediately, he ordered Valentine to be thrown in jail and executed, for violating his command. Valentine’s execution was scheduled on February 14th. It is popularly believed that, before the day of his execution, he wrote a short note to his beloved signing off as “From your Valentine”.
Time passed. As Christianity became popular in Rome, the tradition of exchanging gifts by lovers was renewed. The day-February 14 th- came to be called as Saint Valentine’s day in the honour of Valentine who was given the title of “Saint” as he sacrificed his life for the cause of love.
The Valentine’s day has gained immense popularity in many parts of the world today. On this day, cards and gifts are exchanged between lovers and they spend their time joyfully in each other’s company. Love, symbolised by the popular heart shaped figure, is given much importance and everyone endeavours to uphold the true spirit of love.
'Let love live forever…'
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