Valentine; A Myth or Reality?

People, especially couples, exchange gifts, love messages and express warm feelings on Valentine’s Day. Red roses, red teddy bears, red chocolate boxes and heart-shaped rings, or pendants in gold necklaces are the various gifts exchanged by people from almost all over the globe.

However, most people ignore to ask themselves who Valentine was. When was this day declared? What is behind the famous expression “Your Valentine”?

Many legends and stories are there, but most state that Valentine was a Catholic saint in ancient pagan Rome during Emperor Claudius II's reign. The emperor had issued a law preventing his single young soldiers from getting married, which St. Valentine disapproved. Therefore, he performed sacred Catholic weddings secretly to assist these single soldiers. When the emperor learned about Valentine's secret marriages, he ordered to execute Valentine. The legend linked to this story says that St. Valentine himself fell in love with the jailor's daughter while in prison. On 14th Feb, the day of his execution, he wrote her a love letter signed with; "from your Valentine", creating an eternal expression that is still used to date between couples.

Another story says that a different Valentine lived in Terni during the same period as Rome’s Valentine. Terni’s Valentine was the Bishop who also performed secret weddings opposing the law by the authorities that considered it an outlaw act, and he was executed.

After Christianity had spread all over Europe, the Catholic Church wanted to honour St. Valentine, as he was the martyr of the good deed. Therefore, 14th February was declared the commemoration of Valentine. Some believe that Valentine’s Day was on 14th February to replace a pagan bloody festival that took place on 15th Feb every year.

Whether Valentine’s love story with the jailor’s daughter occurred or is just a myth, or whether he was the saint of Rome, Bishop of Terni, or they were multiple people with the same name, they all were considered a symbol of love, caring, and sympathy. Their selfless act and efforts to stand against the injustice of that time are what matter.

Linking romance to Valentine’s Day was only during the middles ages, by the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Nowadays, a broader vision of this day is gradually getting more and more to cover our love for families, friends, surroundings and ourselves.

In the Muslim world, people believe that loving and caring for each other makes us better Muslims, and exchanging gifts is a good way to show our feelings.

For this special occasion, Al Romaizan has amazing gift collections of bracelets, earrings, and gold sets, among other fine jewellery of gemstones as well.