Valentine’s Day A Lovers Tradition

February has long been known as the month of romance, and throughout our country loved ones often exchange cards, gifts, candy and flowers as a means of expressing their love.

February 14th however, when we celebrate the holiday known as Valentines Day, is when most of these gifts and expressions of our love are exchanged. But how did this mysterious tradition begin?

The holiday is both a Christian and ancient Roman tradition that is indeed very mysterious. The original Valentine’s day can be traced back to the Catholic Church which began a feast day, said to be in honor of its patron saint named Valentinus or Valentine.

But how St. Valentine became associated with this lovers holiday has long been a matter of debate, and there are many legendary stories explaining the connection.

One of the most popular stories takes place during the third century in Rome. The ruling Emperor Claudius II had decided single men made better soldiers, and outlawed marriage so he could build a better crop of soldiers. A young priest by the name of Valentine defied the decree, and continued to marry young lovers in secret, and when Claudius discovered this he...