For hundreds of years, each February 14ththe feast of Valentine’s Day. A day dedicated to love couple and friendship. The origin of this celebration is quite distant—far from having only been created for commercial purposes—it dates back to 3rd century Rome, the time in which this saint lived.
During the rule of Emperor Claudius II, from 268 to 270 AD, there was persecution of Christians. According to tradition, it is said that Saint Valentine put his life at risk to unite couples in marriage, following the Christian rite.
Historians of the time record that Claudius II the Gothic considered single men much more useful in war. For this reason, the Roman emperor determined that young soldiers should not have a family or cultivate sentimental ties, thus avoiding ties in combat.
LOOK: World Radio Day: since when and why is it celebrated on February 13?
While the emperor forbade marriages to young soldiers, Valentine is said to have agreed to secretly marry them to their partners. These ceremonies ended up being known by Claudius II. He had him beheaded on February 14, 270, alleging disobedience and rebellion, since he too refused to renounce his faith.
For this reason, his legacy is remembered every February 14. The date was made official by Pope Gelacio I in the year 494. Thus it came to the traditional liturgical calendar and remained for 15 centuries among the celebrations of the Catholic Church, until 1969 when Paul IV withdrew it following the Second Vatican Council.
LOOK: Valentine’s Day: 5 movies you can watch on this date dedicated to love and friendship
Despite this, it has remained in the popular imagination and over the years traditions have been added to this date. as collected National Geographic In an article, there is a medieval belief, coming from England and France, that states that on February 14 —that is, in the second month of the year— “all birds choose their mate”.
Later, the tradition arrived in North America in the 18th century and remains to this day as a date that is celebrated globally. With the exception of some countries such as Bolivia, Brazil or Egypt, where it is commemorated on other dates of the year.
