So what exactly is the story behind Feb. 14?

By Rachel Zukerman | Manor Ink

February: the month of romance, the time to spend the day with your lover, loved ones or friends. We give gifts to each other to show our love and appreciation. But where did Valentine’s Day come from and when did it start? I’ve done some digging on the Internet and learned some things about the celebration. Let’s get to it!

A mysterious origin

Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day occurs on Feb. 14 every year. And every year, on this special day, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious so-called saint, where did these love-struck conditions come from?

The history of this holiday – and the story of its patron saint – is shrouded in some mystery. St. Valentine’s Day contains vestiges of both the Christian and Roman traditions, but who was St. Valentine and how did he become associated with this aged ritual?

We start with the Catholic church, which recognizes at least three saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were killed because of their religious beliefs. One of the legends about Valentine says that he was a priest who served in Rome during the third century. The emperor at the time, Claudius II, thought it a great idea that single men were better off as soldiers rather than with wives and families, and he outlawed marriage for young men. This is where Valentine comes in. He realized the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. As a result, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Wow, even though Valentine was trying to do a good thing.

Other people insist St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop, was the true namesake for the holiday. But he too was killed by the infamous Claudius. I just don’t get it.

Other peculiar backstories

There are other stories that say that Valentine may have been killed trying to help the Christians get out of harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one of these legends, an imprisoned Valentine sent the first “valentine” after he fell in love with a young girl, which was possibly his jailor’s daughter. These stories just keep getting crazier. When he was about to die, it was alleged that he sent her a letter signed “From your Valentine.” Sound familiar, anyone?

Even though the truth behind all these legends is murky, they still emphasize Valentine’s appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and obviously romantic figure. Valentine, whoever he really was, would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Not what you expect

Reading this information left me surprised by all the twists and turns. I mean, I was expecting something a little bit more Romeo-and-Juliet in style, but still. Have you ever had the experience that when you heard or thought of something and wanted to really look into it, you found out that it is a completely different thing than you imagined? That’s what I thought before reading about this holiday.

Anyway, don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones, lover, or friends on Valentine’s Day. But if you are alone, don’t think of it as a bad thing – get some heart-shaped chocolates, candies or your favorite drinks, and feast by yourself or, better yet, with some other lonely person you know. Watch something romantic, too.

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody!