3 Mins Read
A Journey Through Times
In unraveling the mystery behind Saint Valentine, the question isn’t just “who was Saint Valentine?” but rather, “who were the Saint Valentines?” This intriguing tale spans between 12 to 14 individuals, among them a Spanish hermit and even a woman named Valentina. Surprisingly, during Late Antiquity, the name was quite common. However, the Saint Valentine linked to Valentine’s Day was one of two preachers in Rome during the third century. The martyrdom of one of these two individuals on February 14th, 269 AD, brought into existence the date for this auspicious occasion.
Contrary to popular belief, these revered figures had no direct association with love, greeting cards, or extravagant dinners. Following his demise, Valentine’s remains found their resting place in the Catacombs of San Valentino before being relocated to Santa Maria in Cosmedin (or the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni, depending on which account you adhere to). Over the years, pilgrims paid homage to these relics, which would have likely remained venerable yet somewhat obscure if not for the intervention of Geoffrey Chaucer.
Geoffrey Chaucer, an English medieval poet renowned for his contributions to literature, unexpectedly forged a connection between Saint Valentine and romantic celebrations. In his poem “Parlement of Foules,” penned in the late 14th century, Chaucer initiated the written correlation between love and Valentine’s Day. Whether an act of poetic license or drawn from ancient courtly traditions, Chaucer’s influence laid the groundwork for the romantic connotations associated with this day.
However, Valentine’s Day transcends mere literary invention. Soon after Chaucer’s mention of love on February 14th, genuine lovers commenced the tradition of exchanging love poems. While it’s plausible that such practices predated Chaucer, the exact origins remain elusive. Nevertheless, for over five centuries, individuals have been expressing their affection through heartfelt valentines, contributing to a rich legacy of love and devotion.
Despite its heartfelt origins, modern Valentine’s Day has evolved into a commercial extravaganza, fueled by industries capitalizing on romance. Stationery, chocolate, flowers, and jewelry conglomerates rake in billions annually, with even nations where Western customs are discouraged experiencing a surge in Valentine’s Day expenditures. In Saudi Arabia, where the holiday is outlawed, a thriving black market emerges for red roses and heart-shaped chocolates come February.
The globalization of Valentine’s Day presents intriguing cultural variations. In Japan, a translation error in an early chocolate advertisement post-World War II led to the tradition of women gifting chocolates to lovers, boyfriends, and male colleagues. Additionally, Japan celebrates “White Day” on March 14th, where reciprocation in the form of white chocolates of equal or greater value is expected from those who received chocolates in February.
Yet, amidst the commercial frenzy and cultural nuances, lies the relic of Saint Valentine, nestled in a church in Rome. The Scala Sancta, a monumental relic, comprises an entire stone staircase reputedly brought from the Holy Land by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. These relics, integral to Rome’s medieval tourism industry, held miraculous powers believed to be imparted upon the faithful who revered them. Though their allure may have waned in modern times, relics like the Scala Sancta remain as fascinating and occasionally eerie attractions within Rome’s sacred sites.