The origin of Valentine’s Day is uncertain, but it appears to have its roots in Christian tradition. The feast was first established by Pope Gelasius I to honor one or two saints named Valentinus for being martyred on February 14. Yet, there are those who claim that paganism is the root. Those telling this story say Christianity took the Roman festival called Lupercalia and “Christianized” it.  

       Lupercalia was a fertility festival that honored the Roman gods on February 15. Some stories say Juno and Pan, while others say Faunus, Romulus, and Remus. The details of the festival have differences depending on which story you read, but they’re all quite gory. Nevertheless, Paganism may or may not have had anything to do with Valentine’s Day.

 How Valentine’s Day became connected with romantic love is said to be due to a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer. In 1375, he wrote “Parliament of Foules” connecting romantic love to the beginning of mating season for birds (mid-February). He wrote, “For this was sent on Seynt (sic) Valentyne’s (sic) day/Whan (sic) every foul cometh ther (sic) to choose his mate.”  During that time in history, courtly love flourished, and couples took the occasion to express their love in the form of flowers, candies, and cards (valentines).

       Whatever is the origin or the history of Valentine’s Day, February 14 should give all of us the time to celebrate love, whether it be for family, friends, lovers, or neighbors because Jesus said that people would know us by our love. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35).

      The traditional way to think about Valentine’s Day might not mean anything to many of us. So, whether or not we give cards, candy, money, or a ring, truly the best way to honor this day is to think about the love that God had for us in sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior and to share his love with others. One way to do this would be to also follow the words of St. Paul in I Corinthians 13. “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Written by: Member Jim Lichtenberger (retired Pastor)