DÍA DE SAN

VALENTIN

Is a traditional celebration of Anglo-Saxon countries that has

been implemented in other countries throughout the twentieth

century mainly in the loving couples express their love and

affection to each other. Held on February 14, Valentine's feast

day. In some countries it is known as Valentine's Day and in

others as Day of Love and Friendship.

In Anglo-America in the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to

sell the first mass postcards Valentine, known as "valentines"

with symbols like a heart or Cupid, but with the rise of the

Internet has spread the custom of exchanging virtual

postcards. Also on this day is common tradition of giving roses

to those people who have a special affection.

Several theories give this date the origin of Valentine's

Day. In the Nordic countries it is during this time

when paired and mated birds, hence this period is

seen as a symbol of love and creation.

Some believe it is a Christianized pagan festival, as in

ancient Rome was made the worship of the god of

love, whose Greek name was Eros, whom the Romans

called Cupid. This celebration is called the favors of

God through gifts or offerings to achieve and find the

perfect love.

HISTORYMany believe that this day has been celebrated recently and came by the

interest of the big malls, but its origins date back to the Roman Empire.

Valentine was a priest who practiced around the third century in Rome.

Emperor Claudius II ruled, who decided to ban marriages for young

people, because in his opinion the bachelors made better soldiers without

family, and with fewer strings attached.

The priest felt that the decree was unfair and challenged the Emperor.

Held in secret marriages for young lovers (hence it has become popular

Valentine is the patron saint of lovers). The Emperor Claudius found out

and as Valentine enjoyed great prestige in Rome, the emperor summoned

him to the palace. Valentine took that occasion to proselytize the

cristianismo.

Although initially showed interest Claudius II, the

army and the Governor of Rome, called Calpurnio,

persuaded him to get rid of the cabeza.1

The Emperor Claudius then gave orders that

encarcelas en Valentin. Then, the officer Asterius,

imprison manager, wanted to test ridicule and

Valentin. I challenge you sick, opening the view to a

daughter, named Julia, who was born blind. Valentine

agreed and on behalf of the Lord, returned the vista.

This Asterius convulsed and his family, who converted

to Christianity. Anyway, Valentine continued weak

prisoner and finally Emperor Claudius ordered that

he be martyred and executed on 14 February 270.

The young Julia, grateful to the saint, planted a pink-

blossomed almond tree near his grave. Hence, the

almond is a symbol of lasting love and friendship