Kid Party Ideas : Valentine's Day Party Ideas : Origin of Valentines Day


Origin of Valentines Day

Valentines Day is celebrated on February 14th every year. It is the second biggest card-giving holiday right after Christmas. Besides valentine cards, it is customary to give flowers or chocolates to the one you want to declare your admiration for.

There are several different legends regarding the origin of Valentines Day. I guess you have to choose the one that makes the most sense to you or just believe that no one knows the exact history of Valentines Day.




Valentines Day Legend #1:

It is believed that Saint Valentine was a priest during the third century.  At this time, there was an Emperor by the name of Claudius II. Claudius was building an army and believed that single men were better soldiers than married men so he outlawed marriage to build a stronger army. The priest, Valentine, believed this was wrong so he secretly married couples. When the emperor discovered this, he had Valentine arrested and put to death. It is believed that he was put to death on February 14th, thus it was named Valentines Day.


Valentines Day Legend #2:

It is believed that Valentine was the name of a man who was put in prison and fell in love with the jailor's daughter. He was sentenced to death, put before the dreaded day he wrote a letter to his love and signed it "Your Valentine". Still today, Valentine cards ask "Will you be my Valentine?" and signed "Your Valentine".


Valentines Day Legend #3:

It is the Christian's belief that there were two Martyrs both named Valentine. The Christians celebrated the life of these martyrs with a festival called Feast Day held on February 15th. Much preparation for Feast Day began on February 14th and over the years the two days were combined to be celebrated on February 14th.



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Marcia Reagan is the creator of DaycareAnswers and lives in Central Minnesota with her husband and two children.  She's been an in-home daycare provider for over twenty years and loves to share her experience and passion for daycare with other providers.  


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