The Origin of Valentine's Day-Do You Know Its Dark History?

The Origin of Valentine's Day-Do You Know Its Dark History? Do you know who is Saint Valentine who spread the message of love and trust?

It is 14th of February and that means it is Valentine's Day again-the most anticipated day of the year when lovers will show affection for each other. A lot of us have celebrated this special day but do you know the history of Valentine's Day? What if I tell you that Valentine's Day actually has a dark history which celebrates the death of someone important?

The Origin of Valentine's Day-Do You Know Its Dark History?

Valentine's Day actually got its name from a famous saint who was a priest from Rome in the third century AD. Apparently, Emperor Gothicus believed that matrimony will not be good for its country as this would weaken his soldiers. He thought that married men would make terrible soldiers on the battlefield. He felt that such men would not give their all in war and would result in defeats.

Marriage was once banned in Rome

So marriages were banned and made illegal in Rome! Valentine who was a priest in a church felt that nobody should be deprived of such marital bliss. Hence he daringly broke the rule set by Emperor Gothicus and secretly arranged marriages for men and women who would want to tie their knots. A lot of couples who were in love were, of course, grateful to Valentine for risking his life to solemnize their marriages.

Valentine secretly solemnized weddings in his church

Then again as the saying goes, "There are no secrets that time does not reveal!" Eventually, Emperor Gothicus had uncovered Valentine's misdeed from his loyal servants. Infuriated, he ordered for the capture of Valentine and imprisoned him. For his sin of officiating marriages against the emperor's order, Valentine would later be sentenced to death. Yes! Death!

Valentine was killed on the 14th of February

While behind bars, Valentine fell in love with the daughter of the warden. Their brief, pure love for each other was soon over when it was the day for Valentine's to be punished! On the 14th of February, Valentine was executed for his crime of being the solemnizer of marriages. Prior to his imminent death, he had sent a love letter to his lover with the signature "From your Valentine."

The earliest known Valentine's Day Love Letter!

Hence, every year on the 14th of February, husbands and wives who secretly exchanged vows in Valentine's church commemorated him by celebrating the day of his death. Spouses affectionately showed their love and appreciation for each other as a way to repay Valentine's kindness and bravery. This tradition is carried on until this very day and that is why loving couples will celebrate this special day.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Of course, there are a few variations for the origin of Valentine's Day but this is the most popular one to date. Regardless of its origin, do note that Valentine's Day is a special day for everyone to show extra love and affection to their beloved one. Then again we should be showering our wife, husband, girlfriend and boyfriend with our unconditionally love every single day and not just on 14th of February. So Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Now you know the dark history of Valentine's Day! 

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