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.
關(guān)于情人節(jié)的起源有許多種說法.有關(guān)人士認為情人節(jié)是一個名叫桑特 瓦倫丁的人士發(fā)起的.他是羅馬人,因為拒絕放棄基督教而于公元前269年2月14日慘遭殺害,這一天也正好是全城盛行彩票抽獎的日子.
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 then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
而另外一種說法更具有傳奇色彩,相傳桑特 瓦倫丁曾留下一本日記給了獄卒的女兒,署名為“你的情人”,據(jù)說這名獄卒的女兒就是桑特 瓦倫丁的情人.還有其它的說法也頗為有趣.比如說有人認為在克勞迪亞斯君王統(tǒng)治時期,桑特 瓦侖丁曾經(jīng)是一名神父,因為公然挑戰(zhàn)克勞迪亞斯君王的權(quán)威身陷囹圄.所以公元前496年羅馬教皇格萊西亞斯特意將2月14日作為一個特別的日子以紀念桑特 瓦倫丁.