Who was Saint Valentine?
Saint Valentine was a Christian priest who lived in the 3rd century during the time of Roman Emperor Claudius II (also called Claudius the Cruel).
His story is surrounded by legends, but he is famous for being connected to love and romance.
Why is he linked to love?
According to stories:
💘 Secret marriages: Claudius II stopped young men from getting married, because he thought single men were better soldiers. Valentine disobeyed the emperor and helped couples get married in secret.
💘 Sent to prison for love: When the emperor found out, Valentine was arrested and sent to jail.
💘 A love letter before dying: While in jail, he became friends with the jailer’s daughter. Some say he fell in love with her. Before he died, he sent her a letter and signed it “From your Valentine.”
💘 Died on 14th February: Around AD 269, Valentine was killed because he refused to follow the emperor’s orders.
How did Valentine's Day begin?
❤️ The Catholic Church made him a saint, and 14th February became his special day.
❤️ In the Middle Ages, people believed that birds started looking for a partner in February, so the day became linked to love and romance.
❤️ By the 15th century, people started writing love letters on 14th February, and this later became Valentine’s Day.
This is how the modern Valentine’s Day of love, chocolates, and cards was created—from history, stories, and old traditions! 💌💕
Why is Cupid the symbol of Valentine's Day?
Cupid is the Roman god of love, also known as Eros in Greek mythology. He is usually shown as a small angel with wings, carrying a bow and arrows.
💘 Cupid’s arrows make people fall in love!
- If he shoots a golden arrow, the person immediately falls in love with the first person they see.
- If he uses a lead arrow, the person rejects love.
Because Valentine’s Day is all about love, Cupid became its most famous symbol. Over time, people started drawing Cupid on Valentine’s cards and chocolates. He represents romantic attraction and love at first sight.
Glossary
- Priest – A religious leader in Christianity. (Sacerdote)
- To ban – To officially stop something from happening. (Prohibir)
- To defy – To refuse to follow rules or orders. (Desafiar, desobedecer)
- To behead – To kill someone by cutting off their head. (Decapitar)
- Feast day – A religious day to remember a saint. (Día festivo religioso, día de conmemoración)
- The Middle Ages – The historical period from around AD 500 to AD 1500. (La Edad Media)
- To fall in love – To start loving someone deeply. (Enamorarse)
- Love letter – A romantic message written to someone special. (Carta de amor)
- Secret wedding – A marriage that is done in private, without permission. (Boda secreta)
- Bow and arrow – A weapon used by Cupid to make people fall in love. (Arco y flecha)
- Love at first sight – When someone falls in love immediately after seeing another person. (Amor a primera vista)
- Saint – A holy person recognised by the Church. (Santo/a)
- Valentine’s card – A card given to someone special on Valentine’s Day. (Tarjeta de San Valentín)
- Couple – Two people in a romantic relationship. (Pareja)
- Date – A romantic meeting between two people. (Cita romántica)
- To reject (love) – To say no to someone who likes you. (Rechazar el amor)
