2008 Woodie Awards
The History Of Valentine's Day
Find out some of the myths behind V-Day
By Angela M. Barrett
Issue date: 2/12/07 Section: Campus Life
Ever wonder how Valentine's Day came about? Does it seem a little strange that one random day out of the year is geared towards love and adoration? Who is Cupid and why is he improperly dressed with a bow and arrow? Shouldn't there be some type of child welfare law against that? Why must Valentine's Day be in February anyway? There is a lot going on already. February is black history month; Groundhog Day (that predicts how the winter is going to treat us), Presidents Day (paying tribute to all of our past fathers of this nation), Mardi Gras, Heritage Day, and the Chinese New Year. This is only the second month into the New Year and already there's a lot to celebrate, so why does Valentine's Day have to come along with these holidays?
So where did it come from? Several different stories have buzzed around behind the true meaning of Valentine's Day. You be the judge and decipher what's legitimate from these myths of good 'ol V-Day.
Allegedly, a Catholic priest by the name of Valentine used to secretly marry young lovers, because it was against the laws of the Roman Empire for a young soldier to a have a wife and family. He was martyred on February 14 A.D. 269.
Another myth suggests while Valentine was jailed, he sent letters to a girl that he fell in love with while in prison. The trend caught on when he signed each letter, "From your Valentine".
During the Pagan times, people observed that birds began mating on February 14th, and the term lovebird became associated with Valentine's Day.
Whichever myth you believe let it not deter you from celebrating! Still have a Happy Valentine's Day!
So where did it come from? Several different stories have buzzed around behind the true meaning of Valentine's Day. You be the judge and decipher what's legitimate from these myths of good 'ol V-Day.
Allegedly, a Catholic priest by the name of Valentine used to secretly marry young lovers, because it was against the laws of the Roman Empire for a young soldier to a have a wife and family. He was martyred on February 14 A.D. 269.
Another myth suggests while Valentine was jailed, he sent letters to a girl that he fell in love with while in prison. The trend caught on when he signed each letter, "From your Valentine".
During the Pagan times, people observed that birds began mating on February 14th, and the term lovebird became associated with Valentine's Day.
Whichever myth you believe let it not deter you from celebrating! Still have a Happy Valentine's Day!