by Kathryn Haueisen
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. Charles M. Schulz
We’ve barely lugged all the holiday trappings back to wherever they were before Thanksgiving. Now we’re surrounded with reminders to get something (preferably something chocolate) for Valentine’s Day.
How did a Christian martyr from the third century end up being used to market flowers, candy, romance-themed movies and cards?
Valentine’s Day is likely named for several saints. The Catholic Encyclopedia mentions three Saint Valentines, all with a connection to February 14. One was a Roman priest; one a bishop in modern Terni, Italy; and the third, a saint in the Roman province of Africa.
A ruthless Roman emperor
One Valentine, a priest in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, was executed on February 14, around the year 278 A.D.
Rome was engaged in a variety of bloody campaigns during that era, so Emperor Claudius needed a large, strong army. However, he had a recruiting problem. Potential soldiers weren’t eager to sign up for his military campaigns.
Claudius concluded the problem was that Roman men preferred being home with their wives and children over fighting his endless battles. Not to be deterred, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements.
Valentine thought that decree unjust and continued performing marriages for couples in secret. When Claudius learned of this, he ordered Valentine arrested, beaten to death, then beheaded. A legend evolved that while in jail, Valentine left a note for his friend, the jailer’s daughter. According to the legend, he signed the note, “Your Valentine.” It’s a sweet legend, with no verifiable evidence.
From martyrdom to romance-themed gifts
Regardless of which Saint Valentine is behind the holiday, history is vague on how the martyrdom of some St. Valentine got connected to this annual prove-your-love holiday.
One theory is that the February 14 date is close to the annual Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan festival of love. At these festivals, young women put their names in a box, and young men drew out a name. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius put an end to the festival and set aside February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day. Over time the day was set aside to exchange love messages, poems and simple gifts such as flowers.
Love that transforms lives
Regardless of which historical Valentine is the one behind this annual tradition, February 14 is now another well-established gift-giving occasion. The observance is good for the economy, but there are other ways people express their love for others.
How do you express your love? Whose love has transformed your life?
Kathryn Haueisen is a retired pastor who lives in Texas with her husband. She spends her days writing, gardening and wondering what her grandchildren are doing. She blogs about people, places and programs that make helpful contributions to society at How Wise Then. The History of Valentine’s Day appeared first on her blog. Some information for this blog comes from an article by Elizabeth Hanes on the History website.
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