It occurs annually around the globe. It is revered by some, dreaded by some, celebrated by a sum of billions worldwide, and is really something else for the greeting card and chocolate industries. Happy little jingles, greeting cards with quirky verses, cute and cuddly stuffed animals.. red hearts, chocolate hearts, and even red chocolate hearts all seem to pulse with life. These are symbols of our human affections, handed down over time, that we use to convey our fondness and love. February 14th, Valentine’s Day around the globe, is an opportunity for all to acknowledge and appreciate those things we cherish in life.
This day, February 14th, a.k.a. “Valentine’s Day” has history! Whether or not you partake in Valentine’s Day celebrations, the traditions for this day have been around for centuries. There are numerous symbols and activities that are associated with February 14th. Depending on which story is being told, the people involved in the formation of Valentine’s Day changes too. As with many components of our history, we may never know the truest story about Valentine’s Day, but most accounts go something along these lines:
Valentine’s Day began during the Roman Empire in about 270 A.D. At this time, Rome was led by the unpopular Claudius II whose many wars abroad were not going well. Already hugely unpopular in Rome, Claudius solidified this unpopularity by outlawing marriage. Claudius believed that young men (which he so desperately needed to replenish his failing armies) would be more willing to join the army and be more loyal to Rome if they were unable to marry and not able to devote themselves to family life. Claudius II’s popularity plummeted, even with members of the church and in particular with a priest named Valentine.
Valentine thought Claudius II’s decree was ridiculous and continued to perform marriages in secret between young people. Of course, Claudius II eventually found out what the priest Valentine had been doing and sentenced him to be executed. Unknowingly, this decision by Claudius II would prove to cement and celebrate the very thing he had sought to dismantle…….the love between two people. While Valentine awaited execution, he became friends with the jailer’s daughter (some versions of the story have Valentine falling in love with her). The moment before he was to be executed, Valentine asked to see his jailor. The jailor arrived and Valentine gave him a note to pass along to the daughter to whom the priest had become much attached, some would say cherished. In closing his note, it is reported that the priest signed, “Your Valentine.” Hence the tradition of being a ‘Valentine’ to someone was born. Valentine’s execution date of February 14th is still the day on which we publicly acknowledge those we love and cherish. However, if the history of the day is recalled, then Valentine’s Day is really about us as individuals.
Priest Valentine followed his own beliefs and convictions when he continued to marry people after Claudius II had forbidden it. If Valentine had not followed his heart, maybe history would be different. Similarly today, depending on how we have reacted to our heart’s messages, we have created personal histories wholly known only to ourselves. We all have a ‘Valentine’. Not necessarily a lover, but someone in our life we cherish and love like a ‘parent’ (biological or otherwise), a sibling, a friend, a relative, etc. Valentine held very dearly to his heart the friendship with his jailor’s daughter. So, we are reminded every 14th day of February that it’s ok to let cherished and loved ones know what our feelings are for them. Practicing priest Valentine’s method of giving a note (Valentine card today) is one way of being a ‘Valentine’ to somebody.
Emulating priest Valentine’s commitment to following what is ‘right’ can be, I believe, another demonstration of what Valentine’s Day means. For those people who are not able, willing, or ready this February 14th to proclaim their love to another as the Valentine tradition would have us do, then proclaiming what your heart feels and believes can be as equally fulfilling. I think of the population of Egypt today and how they are defying their government and complying with their hearts. Is this not a clear example of cherishing that which they love? (Incidentally, the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines cherish: to keep or cultivate with care and affection.) I think of all those around the globe mobilized in the effort to protect all humans' rights, these people are surely examples of Valentine---the priest took a stand against oppression, for which he paid with his life! Today, standing up against bullying, especially toward our LGBT youth, and demanding equality in our laws and within society are ways to ‘observe’ or ‘celebrate’ Valentine’s Day. I may not agree with a law, but I will fight to the death every person’s right to be equal under that law. On July 20th, 2005 marriage for gay couples became legal in Canada. There were lots of Valentines, over many years, who cherished and loved so strongly the concept of equality that now, as a gay man, I can marry if I so choose. I must state here for the record to those who gave of themselves so that I could have this, “Guys, you are now, and always will be, a Valentine to me.” (Big sigh here). Valentine’s Day is a special day and the best part about it? We get to make it special in our own unique and memorable way.
So, whatever surprises are sprung, wherever love is lavished, I ask you to please “cultivate with care and affection” (i.e. ‘cherish’) those people and ideals you hold dear.
Enjoy your day.
Rob
PS. For some fun, here are some sites to check out for Valentine’s Day:
