Shops are already brimming with
valentines cards and other
gift ideas . The most popular presents are of course
chocolates and
flowers . But how did all this start?
The origins of Valentine’s Day go back to
St Valentine, who showed courage and valour when helping Christian martyrs who were persecuted under Emperor Claudius II in
Rome . It was a crime to help Christians in those times. Valentinus, as he was known, was arrested and put in prison for is actions. He was condemned to death and as a result beaten with clubs, stoned and beheaded outside Flaminian Gate. The gate was named Porta Valentini after his death and is now known as
Porta Popolo .
According to the legend, Valentinus befriended his jailer’s blind daughter and restored her sight before his execution. A
book written by Alfonso Villiegas called ‘Lives of Saints’ states that the jailer called Asterios was a lieutenant of the Emperor’s. Asterios and his family were converted to Christianity by St Valentine and subsequently were condemned to death by Claudius II.
The legend goes on to say that on the eve of Valentinus’ death he wrote a farewell note to the jailer’s daughter and signed it. This was how Valentine’s Day started.
