Celebrated each year on February 14, St. Valentine’s Day is a feast in the honour of the patron of those who are looking for and those who have already found their second halves. It is worth mentioning, however, that the said saint is also a patron of patients in convalescence, which is why we would like to wish the ill a speedy recovery so that they could join in the Feast of St. Valentine.
The tradition of exchanging flowers and gifts on this special day is well known in many cultures worldwide, but the person of Saint Valentine remains a mystery to this day. Christian folk stories give account of at least three saints by the name of Valentine, the most plausible of which seems to be the story of a third-century Roman priest who died a martyr’s death. Legend has it that he disobeyed the edict of Emperor Claudius II prohibiting monogamous marriages among young men on the grounds that bachelors made better soldiers. Valentine is said to have acted against the decree, establishing the day of 14th February as one on which marriages within the Christian church were blessed collectively. Valentine was eventually captured and sentenced to death. It is believed that he fell in love with the daughter of his jailor and on the day of the execution he wrote her a letter, signing it “from your Valentine”.
The unique phrase and the date have both remained an integral part of the way courtly love is being cherished in various parts of the world. Many people believe that the Feast of St. Valentine has become too commercialised, but we should remember that the day is supposed to be an opportunity to leave our everyday concerns behind and appreciate the loved ones present in our lives. Let us then use this day to share our feelings, treat our partners with a box of delicious chocolates or even take the initiative and begin a new, inspiring relationship.
