KBRN, Jakarta: February 14th is celebrated annually as Valentine's Day. In modern society, Valentine's Day is not only about romantic partners, but is also celebrated with family, friends, and even colleagues.

Expressions of affection can take the form of warm messages, simple gifts, or social activities that bring happiness to others. This change indicates that the meaning of Valentine has shifted from merely a romantic celebration to a platform for universal expressions of love.

However, not many people know that this moment for showing affection originated from a tragic and bloody story. Here is the history of Valentine's Day as quoted by antaranews.com.

Valentine Day that is celebrated every February 14 has a long history closely related to Christian traditions. The name "Valentine" comes from a priest named Saint Valentine.

He opposed the policy of Roman Emperor Claudius which prohibited marriage and engagement. This ban was enacted because the Roman government struggled to recruit young men as soldiers.

Emperor Claudius believed that men were reluctant to become soldiers because they did not want to leave their lovers and families. Therefore, he issued a rule banning marriage, viewing it as a hindrance to the military strength of Rome.

Saint Valentine defied this rule and continued to secretly marry couples. As a result, he was executed on February 14, 270 AD.

His death is commemorated by the church and has become Valentine's Day, a symbol of love in Christian tradition. This commemoration later became popular and is now celebrated by people around the world. ***