Fact 6: The perfect origin of Valentine's Day

Saint Valentine

Every year, we have many events or festivals that always excites everyone in the community. We celebrate and enjoy the tradition of the event. Everything has its origin. It applies to every event including Valentine's Day on February 14 every year. But vast amount of people who anticipates it might not know the story behind Valentine's Day. There are many stories about the origin of the famous Valentine's Day. However, there is one story that stands out. It captures the beauty of love and marriage. Saint Valentine of Terni
fought against the Emperor of Rome, who was Claudius II, that banned early marriage for young men with the purpose of building the army.

Claudius II

During the reign of Emperor of Rome, Claudius II, he decided that men without a family would devote his time to becoming a better soldier. Therefore, he passed a law that prohibited young men from marrying their wives. Despite the law was passed, some believed this is immoral. Saint Valentine of Terin was against this law, and he ignored the law and performing marriage to young couples. Claudius II was not pleased with Saint Valentine. According to History, "When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death" (History of Valentine's Day). Valentine's bravery of standing against the immoral law and promote love regardless was emotional. He deserves to be remembered. His death is a symbol of freedom, and there will always be good against evil.

There is a different story that others believed the birth of Valentine's day was found in a festival. The festival's name was Lupercalia. The Roman slain the dogs and goats then whip on women's flesh to fertile them with childbearing. There is a system in the festival that would help couples to find each other. The article wrote, "The Brutal fete included a matchmaking lottery, in which young men drew the name of women in the jar. The couple would then be, um, coupled up for the duration of the festival" (Arine Seipel, the Dark Origin of Valentine's Day). This article explains how the festival works but never mentions its direct connection to Valentine's Day. However, this potential could lead to the story of Valentine.

Valentine's Day could have many stories and myths within itself. But the sacrifice of Saint Valentine reminds us all that love is worth dying for, and it's noble. Without love, the world is incomplete. The world could eventually turn into a place of ruins from wars if love did not exist. Therefore, it makes the story of Saint Valentine valuable and an educative history lesson. 

Sources:
History, History of Valentine: https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2

Arnie Seipel, The Dark Origins of Valentine's Day: https://www.npr.org/2011/02/14/133693152/the-dark-origins-of-valentines-day