Saint Valentine - an ode to History

Welcome to the first Blog!

I love exploring history - and what better subject to start with, than the life and times of the eponimous Saint Valentine

Origins

The Feast Day of St Valentine's, first celebrated on February 14th 496 AD, is dedicated to expressing love between companions. The day is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr from the Roman era, whose life and deeds have been enveloped in mystery and legend. Over the centuries, Valentine's Day evolved from a religious observance to become a significant cultural and commercial event in many parts of the world. It is celebrated in various ways, but always at its heart is a recognition of love and affection.

The first surviving Valentine's message is attributed to Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who wrote a poem to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Captured at the Battle of Agincourt, Charles composed the poem during his captivity, addressing it to his wife as his "very gentle Valentine." This piece of writing is considered the oldest known "valentine" in existence today.

 

 

But who was this 'Saint Valentine'?

• Saint Valentine's true identity is not conclusively known. There may have been multiple individuals with the name who were martyred and later venerated as saints

• Most accounts suggest that Saint Valentine was a clergyman, possibly a priest or a bishop, who lived in the 3rd century Roman Empire

• Saint Valentine is believed to have been martyred around 270 AD during a general persecution of Christians. It is said that he was beaten and beheaded for aiding Christians

• Pope Gelasius I established February 14th as Saint Valentine's Day in 496 AD, to honor his martyrdom

More strange rumours surround Saint Valentine

Saint Valentine had Healing Powers: Legends attribute the power of healing to Saint Valentine. One story tells of him restoring sight to a blind girl, which led to the conversion of her father to Christianity.

The First Valentine was a Goodbye: The phrase "From your Valentine" is said to originate from a farewell note Valentine wrote to the girl he healed, which he signed before his execution.

Love Honey: Saint Valentine is known as the patron saint of lovers, epileptics, and interestingly beekeepers - so dont be afraid of calling the one you love "honey".

 

Grisly Relics: Valentine's skull, adorned with flowers, is displayed in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome. A bit of a macabre tribute, but at least you can come face to face with the inspiration for lovers everywhere. Other relics of Valentine are spread across Europe.

 

So whatever you do to celebrate Valentines Day, make sure the one you choose knows how much they are appreciated!

 

Enjoyed the blog? Have an interesting Valentines tale of your own? please leave some feedback in the comments.

Wait - there's more! keep an eye out for future blogs - including: The return of the Treacleminers, Hidden history of Fulneck, Queen Victoria's Children of the Dark and Back on the Pudsey Buses...  

 

Got some spare time on your hands? Please volunteer for your community – honestly you will love it.
All views my own unless specifically quoted, or clearly promoted on behalf of an organisation, group or individual. To avoid stepping on copyright toes I generate and edit my own images, credit given where others work is used. 

©damosblogspot 2024