St. Valentine's Day Definition and SummarySt. Valentine's Day, named after an actual Christian and Catholic saint (or, possibly, up to three), is no longer celebrated on the Catholic general calendar, although the day is celebrated popularly in many Western countries on February 14. In the Church, the day is associated with martyrdom, but in Western popular culture, it is associated with love and romance. Basic FactsLiturgical Color(s): Red IntroductionMost of what is known about Saint Valentine (Latin: Valentinus) is legendary. In fact, historians are not completely certain which Valentine is commemorated on February 14. The commemoration may celebrate up to three Valentines. The first was a Roman priest martyred on the Flaminian Way under Roman Emperor Claudius (c. AD 269). The second was a bishop of Terni (ancient Interamna), born around 175 AD, who was taken to Rome and martyred. The third Valentine was a martyr in the Roman province of Africa, about whom little else is known. The accounts of martyrdom of all three Valentines are legendary, although each legend may contain kernels of fact. All three were likely martyred, hence the color of red that is used liturgically (although the reason red is associated with modern St. Valentine celebrations is likely because red is the color of some roses). The "Acts" of Saint Valentine are of medieval origin (6th-7th centuries), and are historically unreliable. The name Valentine was popular in antiquity, as it is derived from the word valens, meaning "worthy."
Over time, the feast grew in popularity and, eventually, began to be associated with love and lovers. Some scholars have speculated that the association with romantic love on Valentine's Day is related to customs associated with the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which fell in mid-February. Others believe that the connection of Saint Valentine's Day to romance relates to the natural season in which the feast falls (e.g. folk wisdom held that birds mated on February 14th). However, medieval scholar Jack Oruch, in the July 1981 issue of Speculum (Journal of Medieval Studies), makes a strong case that the Saint Valentine's Day connection to love and romance derives solely from Geoffrey Chaucer's Parliament of Foules. Even though Chaucer connects the romantic overtones of Saint Valentine's Day to ancient customs, Oruch effectively argues that no such traditions existed before Chaucer's time. Thus, modern research suggests it is unlikely that secular Saint Valentine's Day customs are pagan practices derived from the Roman Lupercalia Modern customs associated with Saint Valentine's Day are based on customs and traditions from earlier periods. For example, sending Valentine greetings originated in the Middle Ages. In the 1700s, Americans began sending valentines to one another, and the first mass produced ones were made in 1847. During the mid-19th century, Valentine's Day underwent a transformation, going from an "old world" celebration, to a holiday resembling the more commercialized version known to most Americans and other Westerners today. Robert Chambers, in his 1864 Book of Days, noted the strongly sentimental nature of modern St. Valentine's Day customs. By the latter half of the twentieth century, giving all sorts of romantic items (besides just cards) became associated with Valentine's Day. In some schools, it is a custom for classes to exchange valentine cards with all other students in the class. While secular customs associated with Saint Valentine's Day are either morally neutral or even good (such as giving gifts), the modern secular holiday has little connection to the original saint(s) or feast. HistoryPope Gelasius I (d. AD 496) first proclaimed the Feast of Saint Valentine, although the pope declared that Valentine was among those whose acts were known only to God, demonstrating that when Valentine was first commemorated, very little, if any, material about his life was known. It is not know whether Pope Gelasius knew of more than one Valentine. The feast of Saint Valentine became popular, and various churches have been dedicated to him. However, in 1969, the Catholic Church removed his feast from the general calendar, in an effort to remove those saints whose origins are based primarily on legendary accounts. This does not mean that Valentine is no longer a saint. However, his feast is no longer celebrated on February 14 by most Catholics throughout the world. Yet, in Balzan and Malta, where supposed relics of Saint Valentine are present, Saint Valentine is still celebrated liturgically on February 14. Saints Cyril and Methodius are currently celebrated on February 14 on the Catholic general calendar. There is nothing to stop a Catholic from honoring one of the Saint Valentines on February 14. The antiphon traditionally associated with this feast day is
The prayer traditionally associated with this feast day is:
Worship and Prayer ResourcesSee the prayer and antiphon above Valentine's Day Art, Photos, and Images
Traditions, Symbols & TypologyTraditions Symbols Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Doesn't the Catholic Church Celebrate St. Valentine's Day? 2. Is Saint Valentine a Patron Saint? 3. Is Valentine's Day a Pagan Holiday? Church Year Books
Catechism of the Catholic Church General LinksValentine's Day E-Cards from Franciscan Cards About and ContactTo learn more about us, click here. If you have any suggestions or information you would like to add to our Church Year. Net pages, please contact us. This page written by David Bennett. Last updated 01-17-2013. | |||
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