Why is it called Valentines Day?
I agree it is wonderful to have a special day to focus on love so where did this celebration originate? Are you ready?
February 14 is the feast day of Saint Valentine. Like many of the saints it is a gruesome story of martyrdom, here is a cleaned up version from the Catholic.org website.
“St. Valentine was a Priest, martyred in 269 at Rome and was buried on the Flaminian Way. He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, young people. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses.” Excerpted from Catholic.org
Where we came up with candy hearts that say “be mine” or the newer version “text me” is such a big step from the story of Saint Valentine, who is there to support us in our time of need. It helps to know we are not alone in our struggles towards love and happiness.
Although, I agree with whoever dreamt it up — chocolate does help in times of need.
Happy Valentines Day to all lovers, travelers, fainters, bee-keepers, young and old!