Count down to February 14th: The History of Valentines Day
Saint Valentine was said to have demonstrated courage and valor in helping Christian martyrs being persecuted under Emperor Claudius II in Rome, during a time when giving any kind of aid to Christians was considered a crime. Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned for this crime. He was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs, stoned and finally beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. After his death, this gate was known as Porta Valentini, later being renamed Porta Popolo.
There is a legend that says while awaiting his execution, he befriended his jailer’s blind daughter whose sight he restored to her. According to Alfonso Villiegas, in his book “Lives of Saints” the jailer was Asterios, one of the Emperor’s lieutenants. He and his family were converted to Christianity by St. Valentine, and they were condemned to death by Claudius II. Furthermore, according to legend, on the eve of Valentinus’ death, he wrote a farewell message to the jailer’s daughter and signed it. This is how Valentines Day evolved.
If you sent a note to your honey…what would it say?
Daisy Says: Don’t wait for Valentines Day to tell him or her “I Love You”.
