As most of you know, catnipoflife has a sister site, Awakenings whose focus is on history and  America – embracing the past, empowering the present, enriching the future. While Valentine’s Day does not have its original roots in American soil, its runners run deep throughout the nation.

Below is an abbreviated closing for this Valentine’s Day from Awakenings. To see the entire post, just click HERE!

A step back in time...

To truly understand Valentine’s, you must step back in time to 278 A.D. during the time of the Roman Empire. There are many legends and myths surrounding this day, some Pagan, others related to Christianity. Each of these legends vary on its connection to romance but several carry the name Valentine with each being martyred. One legend has the origin of Valentine’s day ending in the death and beheading of Valentine, a holy priest in Rome.

Rome was besieged with many unpopular and bloody campaigns. There was a strong attachment of the men to their wives and families thus a strong reluctance in joining the military forces of Claudius the Cruel, 42nd Emperor of the Roman Empire.

To change the situation, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. This was not taken lightly by Valentine, the holy priest. Valentine continued to perform marriages and honor engagements in secret for young lovers until his deeds were discovered. Before going further keep in mind that Emperor Claudius was known as Claudius the Cruel so he did not take lightly the services performed by Valentine behind his back.

The first Valentine’s Day message of love…

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It was upon the orders of Claudius that Valentine was put to death – beaten first, then beheaded. This occurred on February 14 on or about 268-270 A.D. Legendary beliefs show while in jail, Valentine became friends of the jailer’s daughter. He supposedly left a farewell note for her signed “From Your Valentine.” Thus, the first Valentine’s Day message of love.

It was not until after his death when Valentine was named a saint for his many services during his lifetime.

Declaration of February 14 as Valentine’s Day…

At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day, and centuries later romantic authors like Geoffrey Chaucer and Shakespeare helped seal the deal with references to the day in their works. 

At the close of Valentine’s Day…

Thus, we are at the end of yet another Valentine’s Day where its original color ran red with blood instead of roses! In today’s society, this day has been set aside as a loving day with the only blood drawn being that from the prickly stem of the rose.

As you look ahead, don’t leave the loving thoughts of Valentine’s Day behind. Every day can be a Valentine’s Day as long as there is passion in your heart and a loving spirit in your soul!