February 14 is the day we celebrate Saint Valentine by exchanging gifts of love and romance, but who is Saint Valentine and why is love celebrated on this day? Saint Valentine was an early Christian priest who lived during the rein of Claudius II. Claudius abolished marriages because he believed single men would make better soldiers and declared marriages forbidden by law. Valentine stood against this new decree and performed secret marriages while refusing to convert to Roman paganism. Valentine was caught and jailed and in 260 AD was put to death, becoming a martyr. Pope Geliasius names Valentine’s Day February 14 in 496 AD.
Valentine’s secret marriages aren’t the only reason for the day’s romantic celebrations. The Romans believed February 14 was the first day of spring, Faunus was a fertility festival held on this day, and the French and English believed that birds began mating on February 14. In modern times, Valentine’s Day evolved into a day of expressing love, romance, and affection usually with flowers, gifts, and special plans.
Jewelry has become so desirable for Valentine’s Day because it an unmatched symbol of love. There is no better way to show someone that you love, care for, and know them than with the perfect piece of jewelry to accent their beauty. When you think about what your loved one may want this Valentine’s Day, Karagosian Jewelers will have just what they are looking for to celebrate your romance.
