Valentine’s Day is on February 14th. It is the day to celebrate love and lovers. But what is the history of Valentine’s Day, why is it on February 14th, and, first of all, who was Valentine? There are many stories and legends about it. Here’s one of them.
Valentine was a priest in Rome in the 3rd century. Emperor Claudius was the ruler. Claudius wanted to expand the empire. He needed soldiers, but many soldiers didn’t want to leave their wives. Claudius was angry and, even if he understood their situation, he would have wanted them to help him in his mission so banned marriage. Valentine continued to marry people in secret. When Claudius discovered this, he immediately became furious and put the “rebel priest” in prison. Valentine died on February 14th. Therefore he became the “patron saint of lovers”.
Every year billions of people especially from Europe, the USA and Far East send millions of Valentine cards. The tradition is that people don’t sign the card. People also share small gifts. Teenagers often send chocolates, cards, soft toys or even CDs. Older people sometimes put Valentine messages in newspapers in order that the lover smiles as they see it. This is a typical message written in a newspaper: Angel, you are the best thing in my life. Please be with me forever.
So let’s write something romantic and send it to the girl you have always loved but, perhaps, you have never found the courage to tell her how much she is important to you.
Nicole Valgoi 3AL
