The Ironic History of Saint Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day takes its name from a Catholic saint, Saint Valentine. Living as a priest or bishop before his martyrdom, Valentine would have been celibate. To become a saint, he had to first be martyred...by beheading. How romantic.

According to the History Channel, Valentine was executed on February 14, around the year 270 A.D. Valentine had been a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II.

"Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families. To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off."

And that is why we celebrate.

Original painting, The History of Valentine's Day, by Echoing Multiverse. Available as Valentines via Zazzle or printed on greeting cards and other products through RedBubble for all of your most special Valentine's acquaintances. Original painting available through Saatchi Art.

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