St Valentine’s Day falls on 14th February. The precise identity of St Valentine is not known. Several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine; each became a martyr due to their adherence to the Christian faith in the face of persecution. ‘Love’ was the common theme – love of God and love of fellow man, together with a desire to spread the Christian message to as many as possible.
Who was Valentine?
One record describes Valentine as a priest of Rome, imprisoned for aiding persecuted Christians. After arrest he engaged in a long conversation with Emperor Claudius – who was impressed by his arguments but, unable to relent, tried to persuade Valentine to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused. He was unable to convert Claudius to Christianity but on the eve of his execution he allegedly healed Julia, the blind daughter of Asterius, his jailer. Valentine wrote Julia a card and signed it ‘Your Valentine’; this has become a symbol for love and friendship ever since. As a result of Julia’s healing the entire household were baptized and Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near Valentine’s grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship.
Why celebrate Valentine?
Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of February, when the days are lengthening in the northern hemisphere and signs of spring appear. Birdsong builds in volume; we see garden and wild birds establishing their territory and many pair up and engage in courtship rituals. Thus Valentine’s Day becomes a special day for all lovers and is celebrated with flowers, hearts and cards.
An 18th Century rhyme gives us a flavour of Valentine romance:
The rose is red, the violet's blue, The honey's sweet, and so are you. Thou art my love and I am thine; I drew thee to my Valentine: The lot was cast and then I drew, And Fortune said it shou'd be you.
from Gammer Gurton’s Garland (1784)
“The rose is”The rose is red, the violet’s blue,red, the violet’s blue,