The Story of St Valentine

[Merika]

You Are My Valentine - The Stories Behind the Tradition
by Mia Cronan


Historically speaking, it is probable that there were two Valentines that lived many years ago, both martyred around 270 A.D.

Oftentimes, during that time period, bishops died at the hands of persecutors because they could not easily hide, like other Christians of that time could. Sometimes they died trying to protect other Christians, hoping that those Christians would not be found out. One of the Valentines, a priest, allegedly died this way.

The other Valentine was a priest and physician in Rome during the persecution of Emperor Claudius II c. 269. It is said, by some, that today's tradition of sending Valentine cards to loved ones stems from Valentine's practice of sending letters of love and encouragement to those Christians who lived in fear of persecutors. He died on February 14th.

Another later legend was born of the notion that it is on the feast day of St. Valentine when birds begin choosing their mates for springtime. If that were the case, those who believed this would see it as an ideal day to remind their sweethearts of their love!

But the historical basis of the custom is the ancient Roman youth festival on the even of Lupercalia, February 14th. In centuries before Christ, the beginning of the year was March 1st, so the youth of the Roman Empire chose their sweethearts for the next year on this day. The youth festival on February 14th stood under the patronage of the goddess Juno Februata.

Of course, when Christianity was accepted in the Empire, the worship of pagan gods ceased, but many of the customs, including the feast of youth, continued. In place of Juno Februata, St. Valentine became the accepted patron of the feast day, as was the case with other Christian saints on their respective feast days. So, St. Valentine became the patron saint of youth and young love.