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The Origin of Valentine’s Day: Loving Despite the Law
['Briana Ragland', 'Briana Ragland Is A New', 'Freshman Writer For The Her Campus At Texas Chapter', 'Where She S Eager To Share Her Voice', 'Perspective With A Wider Audience. As A Storyteller', 'She Enjoys Weaving Together Narratives That Capture Her Personal Experiences', 'Reflections', 'As Well As Diving Into Political Topics That Challenge Readers To Think Critically About The World Around Them. Briana Sees Writing As Both A Creative Outlet', 'A Tool For Sparking Meaningful Conversations', 'She Is Excited To Grow As A Contributor Within The Her Campus Community.']
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Valentine’s Day, while a secular holiday for most, originated as a Christian feast day.
Emperor Claudius II forbade soldiers from marrying because it was thought that marriage would hinder their efficiency on the battlefield.
Today, Valentine’s Day is often reduced to a performance—measured by reservations secured, gifts exchanged, and photos posted.
Perhaps Valentine’s Day was never meant to be about what we receive, but about what we are willing to give.
Under Emperor Claudius II, love was regulated, marriage was restricted, and loyalty to the state outweighed loyalty to one another.