[February 14, 2023] Love. Are the origins of Valentine’s Day a story of love? Is it a myth? Is it even true? Followers of St. Valentine understand that we will never know the origins, yet that is not important. What the origins tell us is the recognition of heroism in the classic sense. It’s the story of doing right in the face of great risk to one’s life.
One of the famous stories of the origin of this day refers to the act of a Catholic Priest executed by Roman Emperor Claudius II for marrying Christian lovers. The emperor thought it best to prohibit his soldiers from marrying. His logic was that soldiers would rather spend time with their wives and kids than fight. The Priest thought otherwise, as did the soldiers. Emperor Claudius had the Priest executed.
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as Valentine’s Day for the Priest’s defense of love and marriage. The Priest was loyal and courageous. Nothing can deny those characteristics, which is why we hold St. Valentine in such high regard.
At one time, I thought unmarried Soldiers would make better fighters. I was wrong. And so was Emperor Claudius. “Logic” is not always correct regarding the psychology of lovers.
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I certainly had a great Valentine’s Day with my family and hope all of you did as well. ❤
Just a note to add to the first recognition of Valentine’s Day. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day, and since then, February 14th has been a day of celebration—though it was generally more religious than romantic.
Audrey, you’re right. Valentine’s Day is a fixed day on the calendar that got lumped into a mid-February holiday on the ancient Roman calendar called Lupercalia—which some historians believe is what led to Valentine’s Day being all about love. That may explain, in part why we see Valentine’s Day as a day of love instead of the religious overtones that really explain what it is about.
Good points Audrey and Bryan.
Whether you love Valentine’s Day or hate it, one thing’s clear: Valentine’s Day history goes way back. And while Valentine’s Day is now known for kissing, Valentine’s Day gifts, and hard-to-get dinner reservations, the origins of the holiday are far less romantic.
Know the myth.
Know the story.
Know what St. Valentine accomplished in a brutal time of our history.
Know yourself, know the enemy, and know God. That is the way to salvation and a better life. St. Valentine was for a better life. Know this.
Got that right, Max. Well said. 👍
To all my friends and commentators on Gen. Satterfield’s blog ……. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY !!!!!!!!!!!
Patriot Wife, always great to hear from you. Here is some info on its origin. While the Saint Valentine story set the groundwork for establishing the day as a holiday for romantic love, what truly solidified the connection between Saint Valentine and love was a poem by medieval author Geoffrey Chaucer in 1375, which historians consider the origin of the “modern” celebration of Valentine’s Day, where we celebrate our romantic partnership with one other person.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone, especially married couples with children. For that is how you create and successful family. There is no substitute even if the political left believes otherwise.
You can’t convince liberals (radical political leftists) anything. They believe that whatever they believe is morally right and you are a knuckledragging, ponyfaced, speared moron with evil intent and action. Stay away from them. Just hope they don’t get married and heaven forbid they have kids to indoctrinate.
Liz, you kicked butt today.
Your welcome, old warrior, I consider that a great compliment.
Pow, knocked that one out of the part, Liz. Well said.