by Christianna Garrett-Martin

Created on: February 06, 2008   Last Updated: November 17, 2009

- ST. VALENTINE- MAN OR MYTH? -

- VALENTINES DAYS ORIGINS.-

When asking how did St Valentines day originate? It's a bit of a conundrum really. The opinions very greatly on this subject. Some have it that it all started with a Roman priest, St Valentine, who on refusing to give up Christianity, was martyred. Before he died on February 14th, 269 A.D he left a goodbye note to his friend, the prison guards daughter who had become his very good ally during his time in prison, and he signed it 'From your Valentine'.

That day just happened to be a day that had been designated love lottery day, a day to honor Juno, the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses, who was also known as the goddess of women, and marriages. Legend also has it that St Valentine was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius, and St Valentine was thrown in prison for defying his new ruling. Claudius forbade men marrying, and from getting engaged, so they would be free to join his army, and St Valentine being a priest, continued to marry couples after the ban. After his imprisonment, many young people went to the jail to visit him. They threw and notes and flowers up to his window. They wanted him to know that they believed in love, as he did. Claudius was a hated leader because of his ridiculous ban on marriage, implemented just to further his armies number.

Later in 496 A.D Pope Gelasius then made February 14th a day that St. Valentines name should be remembered, and honored. From that time on February 14th became the date for poems, gifts and cards to be exchanged. Hence St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. It became a big occasion, and lovers would send flowers and simple gifts. There would be special events set up such as parties, and balls.

History has it that an American woman, Esther Howland was the very first person to send Valentines cards. The commercialization of Valentines day began in the 1800's, and has grown over the years into what it is today. Because of it's unconfirmed origins the Catholic church dropped St Valentines day from the Roman calendar, reserving only saints days with clear cut evidence of their origins and existence.

The love lottery was held on the day of the Roman festival of Lupercalia. A festival that was celebrated on February 15th. This day was dedicated to the god Lupercus for 800 years. There would be a lottery and a young man would pick the name of a young maiden, from a jar, and the woman would then become his sexual companion for one year.

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