CubaPLUS Magazine

The celebration of February 14, along with the days dedicated to mothers and fathers, respectively, constitutes one of the most beautiful tributes to love and friendship.

Most countries in the world, with the exception of two or three whose religion does not allow it, celebrate this day, whose antecedents date back to the 3rd century in Rome. According to history, the origin of this commemoration dates back to the time when Emperor Claudius II governed Rome, who prohibited the union of couples among young people, because he assumed that young, single men performed better as soldiers and were more willing to go to war, since by not having a commitment they had no reason to stay at home.

Upon learning of this measure, a monk named Valentine showed his disagreement and began to secretly marry couples in love. Many couples went to marry withValentine and after some time, upon learning of such a breach of faith, the Emperor ordered the arrest of the monk and sentenced him to death on February 14, 270, alleging disobedience and rebellion.

According to the legend, while Valentin was awaiting the completion of his sentence, he met the emperor's daughter, who was blind and with whom he apparently fell in love. On the day the sentence was to be carried out, Valentine prayed for a miracle so that the young woman would regain her sight. On the way to the scaffold, the monk met the girl and gave her a paper, which seemed absurd given her blind condition.

However, when she opened the small letter and looked at the content, she regained her sight and was able to read "your Valentine." According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the saint, whose feast day fell on the date known today as Valentine's Day, was possibly one of the three martyrs executed during the Roman Empire.