There’s nothing better than having a heart on for the one you love.
Today is St. Valentine’s Day and I have my heart on for this holiday.
It’s a day dedicated to love, complete with the obligatory purchases of flowers, cards, and gifts for that “special” person in your life.
Hallmark loves St. Valentine’s Day. So does every florist. Jewelry stores and restaurants certainly love St. Valentines Day.
Even gangster, Al Capone chose St. Valentine’s Day to visit upon his rival, Bugs Malone, rounds of “gifts” back in 1929.
The only thing wrong with Valentine’s Day is that people aren’t aware of how sinister it can be, both financially and emotionally. Personally, I think anything purchased as a gift that can be associated with St. Valentine’s Day should come with a warning label for those under 21, or the never married crowd.
Something along the line of, “Endorphines in your brain may be causing lapses in good judgment and swelling of appendages. Purchasing this gift may cause a lifetime of regret. Learn the origin of St. Valentine’s Day before proceeding with your purchase.”
Valentine’s Day has a history that isn’t so romantic.
In truth, the exact origins and identity of St. Valentine are unclear. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “At least three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under the date of 14 February.” One was a priest in Rome, the second one was a bishop of Interamna (now Terni, Italy) and the third St. Valentine was a martyr in the Roman province of Africa.
One of the versions describes that under Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.
Claudius’ solution was to ban all marriages and engagements in Rome. Not a bad solution in my opinion, but Valentine, seeing injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.
Legend says that while he awaited his fate in jail, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it, “From Your Valentine.”
In actuality, the date of his death may have become mingled with the Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan festival of love. On these occasions, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius decided to put an end to the Feast of Lupercalia, and he declared that February 14 be celebrated as St. Valentine’s Day.
Leave it to Pope Gelasius to ruin a great Feast Day, by replacing it with a celebration that doesn’t guarantee getting laid just by showing up.
And people, if you planned on, but didn’t break up with your mate before today, you’re obligated to see the day through. The socially accepted delay to officially break up is now 72 hours from today.
Though, you might want to let them know that you are still willing to celebrate the Feast of Lupercalia with them – as friends.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
