SUPPLEMENTAL KNOWLEDGE
Jhunie B. Wahayna
Do you know that the day of hearts is the second largest card-sending holiday? But with our present technology - texts, emails, chats and messenger are on the run to send faster valentines’ messages and greetings!
Each year the world celebrates Feb.14 as Valentines’ day. Lovers come to have a day where they can celebrate their relationship and be as syrupy sweet as they wanted to be. They either give or receive valentine cards, flowers, chocolates, love notes, love letters, heart shape balloons, or something unique; hold or attend parties; go to night clubs, bars, movies, concerts – all in celebration of this romantic celebration.
But do we know, where, when and how it came about? Facts and legends written by historians tell us that in 259 A.D., Emperor Claudius II required all Romans to worship 12 gods. He also prohibited men from marrying because he believed that single men made better soldiers. Valentinus, a young priest who was known for his piety and kindness refused to obey the emperor.
He was then arrested and jailed. The jail guard Asterius had a blind daughter named Julia, whom he always brought with him to see the priest. Consequently, she became close to Valentinus and even learned history and arithmetic from him. He also described to her the world about nature and other things about life. Trusting in his wisdom and finding comfort in his quiet strength, Julia saw the world through the young and kind priest.
The Emperor wanted to convert the priest into paganism but failed. Instead, Valentinus tried to convert the Emperor himself to Christianity. Claudius II resented this and ordered that the priest be beaten, stoned and beheaded.
The legend said that the priest was able to restore Julia’s sight through his faith. Just before his death, Valentinus sent Julia a note asking her to stay close to God. The note was signed, “With love, from your Valentine.”
On February 14, 270 A.D., Valentinus was executed outside the Flaminian Gate in Rome. The same gate was later called Porta Valentini. He was buried in the Church of Praxedes. By 496 or 498 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor Valentine as a saint.
It is also interesting to know that Saint Valentine was a jolly ecclesiastic who love to putter in his garden. He was a bishop in Terni, Italy who loved to advice young lovers and sweethearts of various romantic persuasions.
During the middle ages in France and England, the middle of February was thought to be the beginning of birds’ mating season – which is more reason why the 14th of the month should be a day for romance.
The practice of sending Valentines’ card or gifts to your loved ones originated in the United States. In France, it is not only an occasion for dropping “love lines” but also a day to apologize for thoughtlessness or unkind words one had unwittingly said or written of another dear to him or her.
It is also time you can make amends for the birthday or Christmas greetings you inadvertently forgot to send. A chance when you are in their good graces again by sending them flowers - hence the slogan, “Say it with flowers.”
Father Esteban La Torre, in his article in a newspaper on February 1, 1992 said: “The color red is the color of Saint Valentine’s Day to remind us of the martyrs’ blood. It is very appropriate because the blood and the heart which pumps it through out the body are symbols of human love.” He was referring to the death of Valentinus whom many considered as a martyr for refusing to give up his beliefs.
Whatever facts and legends historians have written about Valentine’s Day, this tradition will continue to bring excitement and expectations of finding a “Valentine” to young men and women all over the world. This romantic tradition provides a relief for the young and young at heart after the daily rigors and pressures of work or classroom activities.
Have you ever wondered why the most famous of love affairs are often illicit in nature? Well, that’s for you to think about -Happy Valentine!
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