We all know Valentine's Day is a day full of love, but do you know how it started? The origin of this holiday is somewhat blurry with a number of legends, two told most often.
The first legend takes place in the 3rd century. At this time, St. Valentine was a Roman priest. An emperor named Claudius II decided that single men were better soldiers because they wouldn't be attached to someone at home. Claudius II outlawed marriage, but St. Valentine thought it was wrong. He continued to perform marriage in secret. Unfortunately, his secret was discovered and he was be killed.
The second legend has to do with personal romance. St. Valentine was in prison and fell in love with a girl who visited him a majority of the time. After knowing he was going to die, he sent a letter to the girl that was signed, "from your Valentine". In 496, Pope Gelasius I made February 14 a day to honor St. Valentine. Since the 15th century, all types of love have been shown on this day with cards and bible verses from books and poems.
Since the Middle Ages, people give gifts to their loved ones on the 14th. It began with names being by drawing from a bowl. That name would be worn on your sleeve for a whole week. This is where the expression "wearing your heart on your sleeve", originated. You would then gift a key and a keyhole which represented "you unlock my heart". Today, people gift flowers, candy, and cards to their loved ones. One of the most widely known quotes from Shakespeare says,
"My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite”.
Although the way this day originated is not confirmed, all the legends involve love in the end, which is what Valentine's Day is all about!
