Yes, it’s that time of the year again when love hearts, chocolates and flowers take centre stage with the fervour that is now the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day.
Whether you love it or hate it, it’s here to stay. I have to say I’m neither for nor against it. If you want to buy a ridiculously overpriced gift for the love of your life, then that’s up to you. Or you could wait until the 15th and get it much cheaper. I am happy with the everyday gestures that my husband and I share, and I don’t need an enormous gift to know that he loves me. Aw… wait, is that someone gagging?
Who was Saint Valentine?
The answer is no one knows, but he should not be mistaken for the naked, winged baby with a bow and arrow – that’s Cupid, the Roman god of love. There are several legends surrounding the man, and he could have been any of a dozen Valentines from the first century – including a pope – who have been martyred by the Catholic Church.
One legend says he helped Christians escape discovery by the Romans. Another suggests he was imprisoned and fell in love with (or healed according to some) his jailer’s daughter. When he was to be executed, he sent her a letter signed “from Your Valentine”, a phrase still used today.
The most popular story revolves around a third-century priest who performed secret weddings after Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage. Claudius believed single men made better soldiers than those who were married and had families. When he was discovered, they sentenced Valentine to death.
Hero and Romantic Figure
Whoever Saint Valentine was, his legend lives on. His general appeal seems to be because he was a sympathetic, heroic, and, above all, romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, Saint Valentine was the most popular saint in France. I wonder what he would think about how we celebrate 14th February today?
More on why we celebrate that date and how in my next blog on Thursday.
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