Whose heart are you wearing on your sleeve this Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day, originally a Christian Holiday which replaced a Pagan celebration is based on a Roman Priest named Valentine. According to legend Emperor Claudius ll needed soldiers - since the allure of fighting barbarians in exchange for the incredible payment of a few ounces of salt each week - men did not want to leave their families - So Claudius ll decreed that all marriages and engagements would be banned from this time until future notice.
Valentine was one of the few priests who defied the ban and performed secret wedding ceremonies. Valentine was arrested and sentenced to death. Lots of sympathizers sent flowers, gifts and letters. One of the jailers had a daughter who spent a lot of time with Valentine while he was incarcerated. He sent the young woman a thank you card and signed it, "Love, from your Valentine."
On February 14, 269 AD Valentine was executed coincidentally falling on the Pagan holiday which celebrated the Goddess Juno who presided over the reign of women and marriage.
In the year 496, the Pope declared Valentine a Saint and February 14th was to be his feast day.
During the Middle Ages the Lupercalia custom made a comeback where a celebrant would draw a name from a bowl and literally wear the name of their temporary lover (boyfriend/girlfriend) on their sleeve. Hence, the saying “.... is wearing their heart on their sleeve" is derived from.
Centuries later it became popular to send flowers, cards and candy. Neither modern nor old cards depict the Priest Valentine who was a martyred saint; instead you find illustrations of Cupid with his bow and arrow, who happens to be, by the way, the son of Venus - the Goddess of Love.
As it turns out the Pagan holiday, turned Christian by the Church still carries with it the Pagan spirit.
Who will wear my name on their sleeve this Valentine’s day?
Happy Valentine's Day!! With Love xooxox
Marguerita aka Queen Daisy From Belgium
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