American Minute with Bill Federer
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 worshipped.
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, 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 began 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, and was put on documents as type of a written pledge or oath, similar to swearing upon a Bible and saying “so help me God.” It was then kissed to show sincerity. Thus Valentines cards today are usually signed with X’s and O’s to express a pledge sealed with a kiss of sincerity.
The Moral Liberal contributing editor, William J. Federer, is the bestselling author of “Backfired: A Nation Born for Religious Tolerance no Longer Tolerates Religion,” and numerous other books. A frequent radio and television guest, his daily American Minute is broadcast nationally via radio, television, and Internet. Check out all of Bill’s books here.
