Friday Fact - Just Where Did Valentines Day Come From Anyway?

Every February we celebrate Valentine's Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those we love. We do this in honor of Saint Valentine. You may be wondering, "Who is St. Valentine"?

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind, he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military base. Supposedly, Valentine decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.

Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death, he sent the first 'valentine' himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'From Your Valentine', words still used on cards today.

Perhaps we'll never know the true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure...February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Valentines ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.

Another valentine gentleman you may be wondering about is Cupid (Latin cupido, "desire"). In Roman mythology Cupid is the son of Venus, goddess of love. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Eros, god of love. Cupid is often said to be a mischievous boy who goes around wounding both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love.

(information provided by Kaboose.com)

So, there you have it. Well, not really, because no one is exactly sure who was the real St. Valentine and when he was around. There are a lot of legends out there, but apparently, the Roman Catholic church has set February 14th as the day to celebrate his life and commemorate his death. That's about all we do know.

Regardless of all the unknown factors about Valentines Day, etc... there is one thing for sure and it's found in the book of I John in the Bible. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. He that doesn't love, doesn't know God for God is love."

We are commanded to love one another, not just on February 14th and not just for sweethearts but for everyone that calls himself a God-believer. Why? Because God is love!