The fateful story of Valentine's Day …

Although it seems like Valentine is a day of romance and love, this date is a historical figure who paid dearly for his love song. In these ephemerides, we tell you everything.

Many people claim that no one dies in love … However, behind the romanticism of February 14 hides a dramatic story.

The origins of this date are varied, some dating back to Roman times, although it was in the twentieth century that it was "sold" as an ancient tradition. Others consider that the date recalls Esther A. Howland, who in 1840 began selling the first postcards of lovers, say "valentines", with symbols such as the traditional heart shape or Cupid.

Another posture reveals that it is a Christianized feast of paganism because it recalls ancient Rome, where the worship of the god of love took place, of which the Greek name was Eros, and the Romans called Cupid. On that date, this god was revered and offered gifts or offerings in order to find the ideal lover.

However, the most likely story is the one to whom we owe the name: Valentine.

Who was Valentine?

It is believed that in third-century Rome, while Christianity was being persecuted, Emperor Claudius, noting that single soldiers were making more of the battlefield with fewer emotional ties, the marriage forbade.

Valentine's Day was a priest who, in the third century, exercised in Rome and see this decree and judge him unjustly defied the emperor. That's how it's secretly celebrated the marriage of young lovers.

The Emperor Claudius learned and, as Valentine's Day enjoyed great prestige in Rome, he called to the palace. Valentine's Day took the opportunity to proselytize Christianity. Although Claude II first showed his interest, the army and the governor of Rome persuaded him to cut off his head.

The officer Asterius, charged with imprisoning him, wanted to ridicule and test Valentin. He challenged the saint and asked him to return the sight of his daughter, Julia, born blind. Valentín agreed and, in the name of the Lord, restored his sight. This miracle revived the faith of Asterius and his family, who converted to Christianity. Valentín remained imprisoned and Emperor Claudio ordered that he be martyred and executed on February 14, 270, date chosen to celebrate the love …

The young Julia, grateful to the saint, planted an almond tree with pink flowers next to her grave. That is why almond is considered a symbol of lasting love and friendship.

The body of Valentine's Day is currently preserved in the basilica of the same name located in the Italian city of Terni.

SPM