When is Valentine’s Day?
Only
In 2012 Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday.
The Legend of St Valentine
The history of St Valentine’s day goes back to Roman times. The emperor Claudius II was a student of human nature way back in AD 287, indeed he calculated that single men made braver Roman soldiers than married men. Therefore, as Claudius had absolute power, he dictated than no soldier should get wed. However, a Roman called Valentinus thought that this was rough justice and secretly married soldiers who had a sweetheart.
When Claudius discovered that Valentinus had defied his law he threw Valentinus into jail. Whilst in jail, Valentinus fell in love with his gaoler’s daughter and sent her the first ever card – from Valentine!
St Valentine
Later on, in AD 496 Pope Gelasius, chose February 14th as the day to remember St Valentine. Unfortunately, tantalisingly little is known about these early origins of St Valentine.
In the history of St Valentine’s day, it is the 17th century which was the most romantic era. The 14th of February became a day to exchange love notes by sending poems and gifts. Also dances and small festivals were held at this time.
In modern times, 1416, Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent one of the earliest Valentines, from his imprisonment in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt. He sent several Valentine poems to his wife in France.
Valentine Shock
Rosette Nebula – Especially for Valentines
Valentine’s Day Heart
: Please send us your pictures for Tuesday 14th February 2012
