The History of Valentine's Day

There's a story behind Valentine's Day. A tragic tale of hope and romance, as such things usually are, and, of course, bitter despair, pierced once more by the power of eternal love.

In the 3^rd Century CE, Bishop Valentine broke the Roman Emperor's command that no soldiers should be wed while serving the state. Valentine believed in the overreaching power of love, and the triumph of the human spirit over mere matters of flesh, so, he would marry off those couples who came to him in secret.

Needless to say, the Emperor was furious to learn of Valentine's disobedience. He ordered the Bishop executed.

But the story does not end there. While awaiting his day with destiny, Valentine spent some time in prison, where he fell in love with his jailer's blind daughter. Despite their circumstances, or, perhaps, because of them, their love blossomed.

When Valentine's Day came, February 14, 269, he used his last request for writing implements. He inscribed a brief note to his blind beloved, and handed it to her, before himself ascending to the heavens.

It would take her years, but she kept that note, no matter that she could not read it. Then, one day, according to church records, she opened her eyes and, for the first time in her life, could see what her beloved had written on the day he'd died.

It was, of course, a message of love, to remind her that his heart would be with her always. It was signed 'from your Valentine.'

For his good deeds, his noble death, and his part in what can only be a miracle, Bishop Valentine was made Saint Valentine, patron of love and romance. We celebrate his life, and the joy he spread to others, in his name each February 14^th - the very day his own life was ended, all those long years ago.

And so, Happy Valentine's Day, all.