Whenever Valentine’s Day comes around, people often think of expressing love, exchanging romantic gifts, heart-shaped symbols, and dressing in shades of red or pink.

In recent times, Ghanaian society has marked the day as a National Chocolate Day celebration.

But what exactly is the story behind this day?

The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to 268–270 AD in the Roman Empire, during the short reign of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. A Christian martyr, St. Valentine, lived and served as a priest during this period.

Historical accounts suggest that St. Valentine secretly performed marriage ceremonies for Christian couples, defying the Emperor’s decree that prohibited marriage.

Claudius had banned young men from marrying, believing that unmarried men made better soldiers since they had no wives or families to worry about when called to war.

Eventually, St. Valentine was arrested by Roman soldiers and imprisoned while awaiting execution.

During his imprisonment, he grew close to the jailer’s daughter and, according to legend, healed her blindness through prayer. On the day of his execution, St. Valentine left her a farewell note signed “from your Valentine”, a gesture that inspired the tradition of sending love notes and flowers on Valentine’s Day.

St. Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD, and buried near the Via Flaminia. Couples who had been married by him began commemorating his sacrifice, and over time, the day became associated with love and romance.

By the 18th century in England and France, Valentine’s Day had evolved into an occasion for couples to express affection through gifts, flowers, and greeting cards.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide as one of the most iconic events dedicated to love. As February 14 approaches, while you share love with your special ones, remember the man whose courage and compassion gave birth to this tradition.

Source: GhanaWeb