Learn the origin of one of the most celebrated days around the world
Every Feb 14th, we celebrate the most romantic date of the year: Valentine’s Day. People from all around the world exchange candies, flowers, gifts and cards in honour of Saint Valentine. But you might have asked yourself, what is the story behind this tradition?
The origin of the celebration of Valentine’s Day dates back to the 3rd century in Rome, when Emperor Claudius II ruled, who decided to prohibit marriages between young people. The reason? He thought that if people were single, they would get better soldiers: braver and without ties as family or children.
However, despite the emperor’s ban, The bishop Valentinewas brave and continued to celebrate weddings. The practice was discovered, and Valentine was arrested and sentenced to death. While in prison, many young people sent him flowers and notes saying they still believed in love.
A couple of centuries later, Pope Gelasius, I wanted to commemorate this beautiful gesture that Valentine had, making him a saint and adding the day of his execution to the liturgical calendar to celebrate love.
Let’s spread love and Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
