"The origin of St. Valentine, and how many St. Valentines there were, remains a mystery. One opinion is that he was a Roman martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. Other historians hold that St. Valentine was a temple priest jailed for defiance during the reign of Claudius. Whoever he was, Valentine really existed because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.
The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in a The Nuremberg Chronicle, a great illustrated book printed in 1493. Alongside a woodcut portrait of him, text states that Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth [Claudius II]. Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome, Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate [circa 269]. Saints are not supposed to rest in peace; they're expected to keep busy: to perform miracles, to intercede. Being in jail or dead is no excuse for non-performance of the supernatural. One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter. Another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine."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, travellers, young people. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses." (Epilepsy? Fainting?!? Plague?!? Might Hallmark be considered a plague!)
I have never been one for diamonds & hothouse red roses. (I much prefer sea glass & peonies. Maybe garnets & orchids on a decadent day.) The corruption & tragedy associated with the diamond trade has completely soured me to the lure of these mysteriously powerful gemstones.
"Diamond. The mere mention of the word fills the mind with a multitude of concepts and images. Diamond is a mineral, a natural crystalline substance, the transparent form of pure carbon. Diamond is something superb, the peerless 'king of gems' that glitters, dazzles, and symbolizes purity and strength. Diamond... for a commitment to never-ending love. Diamond is indomitable, the hardest surface known. Diamond is exotic, formed in the Earth's interior and shot to the surface by extraordinary volcanoes. A diamond is likely the oldest thing you will ever own, probably 3 billion years in age, fully two thirds the age of the Earth. Diamond is a strategic and high-tech supermaterial for our technological society..." (from the introduction to the exhibit (The Nature of Diamonds) which was held at The American Museum of Natural History in New York several years ago.)
I am fascinated by origin and symbolism behind the gemstones but just can't get my conscious around wearing them.
I am a complicated 'simple' girl. I am a sentimentalist through and through. I get frustrated with all of the adds on TV & in print around this time of year imploring us to purchase (or be deemed inadequate) jewelry, glass eyed bears, dozens of red roses and just too much red glittered-chocolate covered-heart shaped junk that will be soon forgotten. (Let me contradict myself here and say that chocolate covered IS appreciated-ANYTIME!) Of course, the original sentiment of the holiday has been hijacked by the consumer machine. I understand the "But it's a Hallmark Holiday" argument but do see Valentine's day as an opportunity to celebrate those we love with meaningful gestures. I also get the "But we should celebrate our loved ones EVERY day..." I suppose the hedonist in me is attracted to the idea of a specific holiday which celebrates endearment. I wish that it hadn't become so centered around spending loads of money. What has happened to our creativity? Hand made cards are lovely... mixed tapes say so much! (yes I grew up in the 1980's!) Artwork. Really, any significant memento that says "I was thinking about you love" in some simple way.
One of the most romantic 'gifts' that I have ever received was a beautiful pear! The sincerity of the friend that presented me with it really touched me. I have this long enduring daydream of receiving a rock as a surprise gift from some significant place that I've shared with my love. These are the things that move me!
I always think of Peter Weir's wonderful film Picnic at Hanging Rock on St. Valentine's day. I last saw it many years ago but its ethereal quality has stayed with me. The image of the forgotten Valentine's day cake-taken over by an army of ants-as the hot drowsy afternoon takes hold of the girls...
