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Friday, 14 February 20, 12:15
For others, Valentine’s Day is a simple commercial event. It’s a time to show love. Red roses and heart-shaped decorations will be seen in the windows of bars, restaurants and shops all over Spain and the world today, Friday 14th February. St Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14 February. St Valentine is the patron saint for lovers and so people pay attention to this day that celebrates love.
Why was Saint Valentine selected for this holiday? Valentinus was the Roman priest who converted to medicine in the second half 3rd century. He was a very popular physician during Claudius’s reign. The emperor banned marriages for young males because he believed that men who were not burdened with family responsibilities made better soldiers. Valentinus deemed this decree unjust, and in defiance of the emperor he dared to secretly marry couples who were in love. Valentinus’ initiative reached the ruler, and as he enjoyed great respect in Rome, he summoned Valentinus to the palace. The priest took the opportunity to convert people to Christianity. Claudius, the Roman governor, and his army, led by Calpurnius, convinced him that he should not pursue this idea.
Valentinus was imprisoned by the Emperor under pressure. Asterius the officer responsible for putting Valentinus in prison wanted to embarrass Valentinus and ridicule him, so he asked him to restore Julia’s sight, who was blind from birth. Valentinus, it is reported, accepted the challenge, and miraculously restored the sight of the girl. Asterius, his wife and children were moved by this miracle. They converted to Christianity. Valentinus was imprisoned for his good deed. Claudius, the Roman Emperor, ordered him to be executed on 14th February 270.
The symbol for the almond tree
Julia planted a pink-blossoming almond tree by Valentine’s grave after his death as a token of gratitude. Since then, the almond tree has become a symbol of love and friendship that endures. In 494, Pope Gelasius declared 14 February as the first official St Valentine’s Day. This feast was then included in the liturgical schedule and celebrated by the Catholics for the next 15 centuries. St Valentine’s Day disappeared from the calendar in 1969 after the Second Vatican Council and the pontificates of Paul VI.
This holiday is still celebrated worldwide on 14 February.
