The life of Saint Valentine, a third-century martyr, is shrouded in mystery and legend. Although several versions exist, the common story of this saint is associated with the celebration of love and Valentine's Day as we know it today.
Valentine was a Christian priest living in Rome at a time when Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young men, believing that bachelors made better soldiers. Despite this ban, Valentinus continued to perform marriages in secret for young couples who sought him out.
Legend has it that he was discovered and arrested by the Roman authorities for disobeying the imperial edict. In prison, Valentin continued to manifest his Christian faith by praying and even converting some of the prison guards and staff. One of the most famous stories of Saint Valentine's life relates his meeting with the daughter of a jailer, a young blind girl named Julia. Valentin is said to have prayed intensely for her, and she miraculously regained her sight. Before his execution, Valentin is said to have sent her a farewell letter signed "From your Valentine", an expression that endures today.
February 14, the year of his martyrdom, has become the date associated with the celebration of love and affection. Over the centuries, Saint Valentine's life was venerated by the Roman Catholic Church, which canonised him and made him a martyr celebrated every year on 14 February.
The celebration of Saint Valentine's Day has evolved over time, taking various forms in different cultures. In the Middle Ages, the festival was often associated with courtly love, while in the 18th century, the exchange of love cards became popular. Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world with exchanges of gifts, cards, flowers and expressions of affection.
The life of Saint Valentine, although surrounded by legends and apocryphal tales, has left a lasting mark on the way we celebrate love and affection. Although the precise details of her life may be open to debate, Saint Valentine's legacy as a symbol of love and generosity endures down the centuries. So every year on 14 February, millions of people around the world commemorate this humble priest who sacrificed his life for love.
