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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Have you ever wondered how some holidays got their start? All of them intend to be a reminder of something or someone, to commemorate a day that a significant thing happened or the person who did it. Some are obvious; Christmas, Easter, July 4th. Some are not. Others we view in a light not at first intended; one of those would be Valentine's Day.
Originally this celebration commemorated the martyrdom of one, possibly two priests, both named Valentine. One, a priest and physician; the other, bishop of Terni, were beaten and beheaded along the Flaminian Way in Rome, Italy, Feb. 14, around 269 A.D. The exact date is debated by some scholars, possibly chosen by church authorities to counteract the pagan festival of Lupercalin; an ancient fertility diety. During his festival a lottery was held where a persons mate for the following year was drawn. England continued this association, however atlered, in later years whereby young women's names were still drawn by chivalrous young men; as his selected "Valentine" was made known to him, he was then expected to watch after, protect and care for her over the next year, at times this arrangement developing into a loving relationship and marriage. The tradition was further modified by some as the lottery slips had the names of saints written on them, the person drawing that slip then being expected to emulate the life of that saint over the next year. (It was a common early church practice to cleanse or Christianize a pagan celebration with a Christian observance where the dates were the same or similar.)
With the passage of time, Valentine became commonly regarded as the patron saint of lovers and the observance of Feb. 14 has become one of the most widely observed unofficial holidays celebrated by the exchange of cards, candy, and other gifts. How did that come about and where do Valentine cards specifically come from? Valentine was killed during the persecution ordered by Claudius the Goth, having angered the Emperor by continuing to marry young couples, sometimes in secret - in direct defiance of the Emperor's orders to stop doing so. It seems the idea of settling down with a wife and raising a family was making it difficult to recruit young men for the armies of Rome as the church's growing influence and civilzing impact had a chilling effect on the government's recruitment efforts. Valentine was imprisoned some time before his death and wrote letters (or cards) to his followers signed - from your Valentine.
One in particular, to a young and beautiful woman may have been significant as it seems to indicate Valentine was falling in love with her. Sadly he lost his head to the governing authorities before anything more permanent could come of this relationsip; yet from this man of God, who resisted a king but "fell" for a woman arose the tradition of exchanging affectionate messages and romantic gifts.
Be my Valentine?
Happy St. Valentine's Day!
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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