A Valentine's Love Story

In honor of the February 14 Connections, we want to relate the real story of Valentine’s Day. It dates back to the third century when Roman Emperor Claudius II ordered all Romans to worship 12 gods. Refusing to do so was punishable by death. You can imagine that Christians did not take too kindly to Claudius’ edict. One who refused was named Valentinus, and he was arrested and jailed. Awaiting his ultimate fate, his jailor recognized that Valentinus was an educated man and asked him if he would tutor his daughter Julia, who was blind since birth.

Valentinus was a good teacher and Julia was a receptive student. After learning math, Roman history, biology and religion, Julia started to see the world through Valentinus’ eyes. Then a miracle occurred. When Valentinus and Julia were praying together, there was a sudden brilliant flash of light in the prison cell. Eureka! Julia suddenly could see.

On the eve of his execution, Valentinus sent a note to Julia that he signed, “Your Valentine.” He was executed on February 14, 270 AD. From that day on, messages of devotion, love and affection are sent around the world.

Now that you know the true story of Valentine’s Day, don’t you wonder where those heart shaped candies with corny phrases came from?