14th February, 2024
What is the real meaning of Valentine’s Day?
The origin of Valentines days is as a feast day honouring a Christian martyr named Valentine. He lived in Rome during the 3rd century. Valentine was imprisoned by Emperor Claudius II for marrying soldiers in secret Christian ceremonies. The emperor, a pagan, passed a law to prevent his soldiers from taking wives, so that they would be completely devoted to the Roman empire.
While imprisoned, Valentine cared for other prisoners. Legend also has it that Valentine cured the gaoler’s daughter of her blindness. His final act before execution was to write her a love message signed ‘from your Valentine’. He was executed on 14 February in the year 270.
The practice of sending love messages developed into people sending special handmade cards designed to show how much they loved the recipient. Cards would usually contain sentimental verse, and were decorated with pictures of cupid, hearts and flowers. They were also trimmed with lace and ribbon. Although cards are still used today to symbolise love and are recognised all over the world, they are mass produced and no longer handmade. Red roses are also a common gift on Valentines Day.