Thoughts for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day Lore And Legends

February 14 is upon us once again, and lovers, friends, and suitors will be exchanging candy, flowers and gifts in the name of St. Valentine.

Why do we celebrate this holiday, and who is this patron saint?

Legends abound because the history of this special day is shrouded in mystery, but here are a few possible explanations—and bit of Valentine’s Day folklore.

The Legends of St. Valentine

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young men, which were his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February around the year 270.

Saint Valentine

The First Valentine

According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been the jailor’s daughter who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed, “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still used today. According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been the jailor’s daughter who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed, “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still used today.

When Did We Start Sending Cards?

The tradition of Valentine’s Day cards did not become widespread in the United States until the 1850’s when Esther A. Howland, a Mount Holyoke graduate and native of Worcester, Massachusetts, began mass-producing them. Today, of course, the holiday has become a booming commercial success. Over 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent every year in the U.S. alone.

Ester A. Howland