st. valentine

He was a patron saint, shrouded in mystery& he is placed in feburary because it's been long known for romance. it contains traditions from both Christian and Roman tradition. but, who is this saint, why is it on this day, that most people hate, the card companies picked this person& made it love fest?

there are two different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, both were martyred.

a myth or legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the 3rd cent. Rome. Emperor Claudius II thought it best that single men made better soldiers then the ones with wives& families. Marriage was outlawed for young men- potential soldiers. Walentine saw this as injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and performed marriages for young couples in secert. very romeo& juliet, no?

When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be pit to death.

Other stories are how he was killed or helping Christians escape the harsh life in Roman prisons, the were often beaten or tortured. On one account, he was thought to send the first 'valentine' greeting himself. in prison, he fell in love with a young girl- might have been the jailor's daughter- came to visit him often. before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her letter signed 'From your Valentine', which is still used today.

all the information on St. Valentine is amazing& i think instead of making it this huge card company money marker, it should be about making sweet love letter's to the person you love. or what i did, make something.

i'm not much for recieving gifts like teddy bears or jewelery. i'm all about exressing my love but not on one day. i do it every day.

enjoy your day.