People in love celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14

The enamored people from the whole world celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day on February 14. This holiday took root and is observed in Moldova alongside other national, regional and professional holidays. Though they say that Valentine’s Day is not typical of our country and that the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, this holiday is widely celebrated and became the most romantic day of the year. The lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was condemned to be beaten to death with clubs and to be beheaded. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine. Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date is marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers.