It鈥檚 well known that the origins of Valentine鈥檚 Day are varied but well documented.
This was the first piece of information that I came across: 鈥淭he holiday has origins in the Roman听festival听of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The听festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th听century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine鈥檚 Day.鈥�
Another insight into the day and the celebration was also garnered from an online search: 鈥淭he ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern听day听of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men 鈥� both named听Valentine听鈥� on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D.鈥� Their martyrdom was honoured by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St.听Valentine鈥檚 Day.
A couple of immediate thoughts popped into my head: First, I am both disgusted regarding the lottery system back then and relieved that Pope Gelasius had the wisdom to replace the name, and hopefully, the entire practice. Then, good for another decision by the church to honour the martyrdom of two different men named Valentine and further recognize genuine love.
The next thing I rejoice in each year is that my husband of nearly 53 years celebrates his birthday on February 14 and our love has only grown over the years. Of course, we鈥檝e had our spats but, in all honesty, what couple hasn鈥檛! Over the past five-plus decades, love has gained new ground, displayed itself in different ways but always, reminded us of the need for faithfulness and gratitude for each other.
I pray your Valentine鈥檚 Day will be rich, in spite of all that COVID throws at us. God鈥檚 love is consistently faithful and wonderful!
鈥淥h, how He loves you and me鈥�
听
