St. Valentine must have been one romantic fellow

Well, I guess that guy named St. Valentine must have been one romantic fellow. After all, he is the reason people give their loves candy, flowers and cards. Or is he really at the root of all the romance we celebrate on February 14th each year? Is he the motive for reminding someone just how much we love them? The answer is both yes and no. Please allow me to explain my somewhat vague answer to the question.

Yes, Valentine was, in fact, a living, breathing man. In fact, there were three men named Valentine for whom the day may have been named, and one achieved sainthood. One was a priest who lived in the third century A.D. Roman Emperor Claudius II concluded that young, unmarried men were better soldiers than those choosing to marry.

Acting on his belief, the emperor outlawed the marriage of young men. Valentine chose to defy the decree and continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young men wishing to wed. Finding Valentine’s defiance to be offensive, Claudius had the priest put to death.

The second possible inspiration for Valentine’s Day was St. Valentine of Terri. Sadly, he, too, found himself in Claudius’ ill favor and was beheaded. The Third candidate bearing the name of Valentine also lived during the time of the Roman Empire’s grandeur.

Whether true or fictionalized to fit the need, the story of the third candidate named Valentine seems more befitting the theme of the celebration. This legend states that, while imprisoned, Valentine sent a letter of introduction to the young daughter of one of his jailers. In the letter, he expressed his great affection for her. The legend goes on to assert that, just prior to his death, Valentine sent another written correspondence, this time a love letter, to the woman and signed it, “from your Valentine.”

It was during the Middle Ages that the idea of Valentine’s Day really took hold. People living in France and England believed that it was in the month of February, specifically the 14th day of that month, when the mating season of birds began.

This somewhat romantic notion was adopted by the famous poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who took pen in hand and immortalized the idea. In 1375, the poet created a 699-line verse that described the time when birds chose their mates. Here is a small sample from the poem, “Parliament of Foules.”

Now welcome, springtime, with your gentle sun

That wintry weather milder soon will make,

And tiresome nights’ long shroud of blackness shake.

Saint Valentine, great triumph you have won,

And little birds are singing for your sake:

Now welcome, springtime, with your gentle sun

That wintry weather milder soon will make.

They have good cause to chirp in unison

Since each today his mate again can take,

And both sing blissfully when they awake:

Now welcome, springtime, with your gentle sun

That wintry weather milder soon will make,

And tiresome nights’ long shroud of blackness shake.

Chaucer wrote, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day when every foul cometh to choose his mate.” Chaucer was ever so popular, and his widely read and somewhat lengthy composition found great favor with readers. The poem reinforced the premise that February 14th should be celebrated as a day of romance.

The seed linking February 14th to that of romance had been planted, and Chaucer further cultivated the idea of Valentine’s Day. Charles, Duke of Orleans, is thought to have written the oldest valentine, which still exists. In 1415, he wrote a poem to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. A few years passed when King Henry V hired the accomplished writer John Lydgate to give birth to a Valentine’s letter addressed to Catherine of Valois.

In the 1800s, renowned author Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote one of the most beautiful poems of all time. Someone special once left me a copy of the poem and it has a special place in my heart.

How Do I Love Thee (Sonet43)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

Ms. Browning was one of many authors throughout history who have expressed their feelings about both love and Valentine’s Day. When once asked about his feelings toward the romantic day in February, American author Mark Twain quoted an unknown Irish author.

The Irishman asked a young woman, “Will you be my valentine?” “No,” she answered, “I am another’s.” The forlorn Irish fellow heaved a sigh and said, “Sure thin, darlin. I wish you were twins so that I could have at last the half of you.”

Prior to the 1840s, handwritten valentines were exchanged, but that was about to change. Esther A. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine” created generic valentines with lace ribbons and multi-colored pictures. The giving of mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards grew, and the Hallmark Company estimates that today, approximately 145,000,00 cards are sent each year. Like many traditions, this one has turned into a very large and profitable business.

When I was young, Valentine’s Day meant receiving a box of Sweethearts. The small, brightly colored, heart-shaped candies had words like “cutie pie, honey bun,” and “be mine” written on them. I thought the messages were laughable and the candies delicious.

Now thoughts of this special day in February harken me back to a time long ago when, as tradition dictated, every year I gave my best gal “One Rose Only.” It seems like I should write a story about that. Maybe even a book. “Who knows?”

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Stan Fine is a retired police officer and Verizon Security Department investigator who, after retiring in 2006, moved from Tampa, Fla., to Noel, Mo. Stan’s connection to Noel can be traced back to his grandparents, who lived most of their lives there. Stan began writing after the passing of his wife, Robin, in 2013. Opinions expressed are those of the author.