Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we have got you covered with lots of gift ideas for the one you love. But first, do you know the history behind Valentine’s Day?
The History of Saint Valentine’s Day
The day gets its name from a famous saint, but there are several stories of who he was. The most popular belief about St Valentine is that he was a priest from Rome in the third century AD. Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage because he thought married men made bad soldiers. Valentine felt this was unfair, so he broke the rules and arranged marriages in secret. However when Claudius found out, Valentine was thrown in jail and sentenced to death.
While in jail, he fell in love with his guard's daughter and when he was taken to be killed, he sent her a love letter signed "from your Valentine". Two centuries after Valentine’s death, Pope Gelasius decreed that February 14th should be Valentine’s Day. In fact, St Valentine’s remains can be found in Whitefriar Street Church, Dublin, Ireland.
So how did his remains end up in Dublin? In 1835, an Irish preacher called John Spratt was visiting Rome. He was well known for his work with the poor in the Liberties, and he also built the Whitefriar Street Church. While he was in Rome, his preaching was incredibly popular, and he was given many tokens. One of which was from Pope Gregory XVI – the remains of St Valentine.
Sent with Love from Ireland
Gift Ideas for Her
We have the perfect Irish Valentine’s day gifts for your wife, girlfriend, or fiancée. Whether you are looking for a token gift or something extra special we have you covered.