In the 3rd century, Emperor Claudius II was faced with defending the Roman Empire from the invading Goths. He believed single men made better soldiers so he temporarily forbade marriage. He also forced the Senate to deify the former Emperor Gallienus, including him with the Roman gods to be worshiped.
Legend has it that Valentine was a bishop in Italy who risked the Emperor’s wrath by refusing to worship idols and for secretly marrying young couples. Saint Valentine was dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and have his head cut off on FEBRUARY 14, 269AD.
While awaiting execution, it is said he prayed for the jailers’ sick daughter, who miraculously recovered. He wrote her a note and signed it, “from your Valentine.”
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius designated February 14th as “Saint Valentine’s Day.”
The Greek name for Christ, Î§Ï Î¹ÏƒÏ„ÌÏ‚, begins with the letter “Chi” written as an “X,” which is why X-mas became an abbreviation for Christmas.
In Medieval times, the “X” was called the Christ’s Cross or Criss-Cross, from whence “crossing one’s heart” was derived, and it was put on documents as a pledge or oath and kissed for sincerity, similar to swearing upon a Bible and saying “so help me God.” Thus Valentines cards are usually signed with X’s and O’s to express a pledge before God sealed with a kiss of sincerity.
XOXO
