Did You Know? History of Saint Valentine and Valentine's Day

It is a day to another valentine's day and a season of love but only few people actually know who the man the day is named after and the significance of the day. 

Even though valentine's day is widely celebrated in Africa the great Love doctor Saint Valentine was executed in Africa. 

Brief history according to Mirror UK below.

Who is he?

Stories about Saint Valentine are scarce and vary wildly, but he is widely believed to have been a third-century Roman saint.

When did he live?

According to the official biography of the Diocese of Terni, Bishop Valentine was born and lived in Interamna.

He was apparently imprisoned and tortured in Rome on February 14, 273.

His body was then buried in a hurry at a nearby cemetery, before his disciples later came and carried him home.

There is dispute however with as many as three saints that could have been Valentine himself.

What did he do?

According to some tales he helped Christians - a crime at the time - by helping them marry and other deeds. The emperor arrested him and when he did not die by stoning, he was beheaded.

Another popular story is that he helped restore a young blind girl's sight. After convincing others of his faith he was then executed by the emperor.

When did he die?

Various dates are given - 269, 270 or 273.

Where are his remains now?

A skull believed to be his is held in glass in Rome, but that isn't the whole story.

Parts of his skull could also be in Chelmno in Poland.

His shoulder blade is in the Czech Republic and is now on permanent display in a church in Prague.

There are also said to be remains in Dublin, Roquemare in France, Glasgow and Florissant in Missouri.

Was there more than one Saint Valentine?

Reports are sketchy but there could have been as many as three different saints associated with the 14th February.

However there are as many as 11 other saints with the name Valentine commemorated in the Roman Catholic Church.

Where does the Valentine's Day come from?

The death of one or more saints bearing the name Valentine were linked to February 14.

In places Valentine's Day is suggested to have been created as an antidote to the pagan holiday of Lupercalia - mid-February in Rome.

Alternatively in the middle ages it was believed that birds paired into couples in mid-February.

This was then in turn associated with Saint Valentine.

The day was first associated with romance by author Geoffrey Chaucer.

In the 18th century it evolved into an occasion which saw people exchange their love in form of gifts, flowers and, in more modern times, greetings cards.

Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards, letters, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner. They may also arrange a romantic meal in a restaurant or night in a hotel. Common symbols of Valentine's Day are hearts, red roses and Cupid.

Valentine's day mean a lot of things to everyone and to me it is the celebration of my birthday. *wink*. I also hope you have a lovely valentine's day with your loved ones and remember to show them how much you love them daily and not just on val's day. XOXO