February 14th, Valentine's Day has its history since 496
A.D.
In second century, Romans did not enjoy peace, as they were
busy in war, trying to save their vast empire from the Mangols, the Magyars,
the Bulgars and lot.
To save the roman borders, roman army needed many men to be
kept in the borders for defence.
As men are always men, they had other priorities such as
Woman, Love, Fun, Romance and Dance.
This has brought the interest towards army, down in the
minds of men.
Emperor Claudius is not satisfied with this and he banned
man-woman relationship.
That is, there should not be love and romance. He made
marriages illegal, even both the genders meet and mate is prohibited as it is
declared as illegal.
Saint Valentine is a priest in Roman Catholic Church. His
job is to solemnize weddings for roman people.
He thought the act of Claudius is against nature so he
continued performing clandestine weddings.
This kind act of Valentine owned a strong place in the
hearts of Roman youths.
Valentine was executed by Claudius as punishment for
violating the law.
Followed by this tragedy, Claudius's Roman Empire faced a
downfall.
Then marriages were made legal again.
In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius decided to honour the Kindness
towards Love of Saint Valentine.
And set a day for celebrating this noble cause. That day was
Fourteenth of February, so the Day is called as Valentine's Day.
Not only Romans, Ancient Indians also celebrated a Spring
Festival called Indira Vizha, it is popular between youngsters in sangam age
(2nd century B.C to 3rd century A.D)
On this Day, youngsters all over the country were permitted
to congregate on the riverbanks to sing, dance, flirt and court to their hearts
content.
This festival has been captured well in Tamil epics like
Silappadikaram and Manimekhalai.
Our culture has praised and celebrated love at its extent.
If we try to protest love, we will face the consequences as
Claudius faced.
So let’s celebrate the precious thought of Valentine and
dedicate Feb. 14th to the Love Saint "Valentine".
