The Christian martyr behind Valentine’s Day

On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love with chocolates, cards and gifts of affection. Yet what do we really know about the true story behind the martyr Valentinus, after which this day is named?

We can gather facts from many legends to piece together his true story.

Three third-century martyrs all carry the name Valentinus. One was a priest in Rome, one a bishop of Interamna, and one a Christian in the Roman province of Africa.

Valentinus the priest was sentenced to death at the decree of Emperor Claudius II. It is believed his story hinges on soldiering, marriages and a cold-hearted emperor.

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Emperor Claudius was having difficulty recruiting men into the military. Soldiers were required to fight for at least 25 years, and many young men were unwilling to leave their loved ones. Therefore, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements. In response, men and women wanting to marry simply went underground with assistance from the sympathetic priest Valentinus, who secretly married soldiers to their betrothed.

Valentinus was eventually caught and sentenced to death for his treason. He was beaten by clubs and killed on February 14 around the year 269. More than 200 years later, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as a day to honor Valentinus’ courageous life and also serve as a replacement for the Roman pagan holiday of Lupercalia.

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