Every year, on the 14th of February, the whole world is surrounded by love for Valentine's day. On this day, love is displayed through various different ways such as the classic box of chocolates and a bouquet of red roses. However, the true sentiment of this beloved holiday can be dated back to thousands of years ago in the legend of Saint Valentine. The Catholic church recognizes three versions of the legend of Saint Valentine. One of them being set in third century Rome with Emperor Claudius ll in power. This version states that Emperor Claudius prohibited young men from getting married as married men made for less effective soldiers. Nevertheless, Saint Valentine continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies for young couples in the spirit of love. When the Emperor discovered this, Saint Valentine was sentenced to death for treason.
Yet, before being brutally murdered, it is said that Saint Valentine wrote one last letter signed “from your valentine.” This subsequently created the tradition of Valentine letters, which was widely popularized later in the 1800´s. Thus starting the first official custom of exchanging small gifts and letters in the spirit of love. A custom which followed into the 1900´s where printed cards began to flood the market. These cards grew in popularity as expressing one's love had never been so easy and accessible to those of all social classes. Today, around 145 million Valentine's cards are sent to loved ones around the world every year, making it the second largest card-sending holiday. In addition, this is a small part of what otherwise is a billion dollar industry today. Around 27 billion, to be more precise, consists of millions of cards, toys, gifts, decorations and more items sold at this time of year. In that sense, it is impressive how the large sacrifice of one man in ancient Rome could be the catalyst to such a massive industry and tradition seen today globally. All of which is celebrated and dedicated to love and all that comes with it.
By Oliver