It is one of the most popular and widespread holidays of our civilization. February 14 is celebrated as the holiday of lovers, and St. Valentine is their patron saint. Do you know why? What does Valentine's Day have to do with lovers?
The origin of Valentine's Day
When talking about St. Valentine we have to look deep into the past: until the third century, during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius II. He was a monarch who ruled from 268 to 270 and had a military background. His penchant for waging war was not to the liking of many Imperial soldiers, especially those who were married, as they did not want to leave their wives and families. That is why the emperor Claudius forbade his soldiers to marry. However, priest Valentine ignored this order and secretly married the couples. The emperor had him imprisoned and later executed. According to tradition, this happened on February 14. This day is therefore the feast of St. Valentine's Day. In memory of the bishop who, despite the emperor's ban, blessed human love, St. Valentine's Day began to be celebrated as a holiday for lovers.
However, there is also another tradition of the origin of the Valentine's Day, which originates from the British Isles. It is said that in mid-February, birds start looking for their mating partners, and this phenomenon is the inspiration for the celebration of lovers.
Well, there is also a third tradition, also associated with the worship of Saint Valentine. In ancient Rome, a pagan holiday called Lupercalia was held in mid-February. Since it was associated with exuberant and unrestrained celebrations, Pope Gelasius banned it at the end of the 5th century. And as a replacement for the pagan holiday, St. Valentine's Day began to be celebrated as the holiday of lovers, because St. Valentine is the patron of betrothed and those in love.
A celebration of human love
Whatever tradition may be true, they all have in common that all of them are a celebration of human love. Saint Valentine can thus be an inspiring figure for today's people with his attitude. The desire to love and be loved belongs not only to the strongest, but also to the most beautiful desires of human heart. To wish for human love is noble.
Beautiful products from our workshop are a great way to show that love also has an irreplaceable place in your life. Celebrate Valentine's Day with unique products from Choralis Art workshop.
