Origins vs Modern Times
Let’s look at the Origins of Valentine’s day vs Modern times. First, some of the stories relating to its origin. Secondly, how we may view and respond to this day of love in modern times.
Lupercalia
Many historians believe the Origin of Valentine’s Day derived from the Roman pagan festival of fertility called Lupercalia. Lupercalia was an ancient Roman festival that was conducted annually on February 15 under the superintendence of a corporation of priests called Luperci.
This event had its share of sacrifice, mostly goat and dog. Thongs (strips of leather or hide used for whipping) were cut from the skins of the sacrificed animals. The priests (Luperci) followed a ritual using blood and milk from the sacrificed animals then used the thongs to whip any woman who came near. Once a woman was whipped with the thong, she was believed to be fertile.
The End of Lupercalia
In 494 CE the Christian Pope Gelasius I brought an end to the festival. It is said that he used the rite of the Feast of the Purification known as Candlemas celebrated February 2nd. Candlemas, known by many other names, commemorates the occasion when the Virgin Mary, in obedience to Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem to be purified for 40 days after the birth of her son, Jesus, and then presented him to God as her firstborn. There are alternate suggestions that Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with February 14, Valentines Day however, it seems the origin of that holiday was much later.
The Valentine Martyrs
There are many other suggestions including several Christian martyrs named Valentine. I mention two here although there may have been three or more.
With that said, the day may have gotten its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 CE by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus. Other accounts hold that it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop but it is possible the two saints were actually one and the same.
Another common legend states that St. Valentine secretly married couples to spare the husbands from war, thus an act of love. It is for this reason that his feast day is associated with love but he or they were executed all the same.
Valentines A Message of Love
Actual messages of love that we call valentines appeared sometime during the 1500s. In the late 1700s commercial printing of cards were being used and in the mid 1800’s they were printed in the United States.
Cupid Roman god of love
Although Valentines commonly depict Cupid, the Roman god of love, along with hearts, its origins stemming from the festival Lupercalia is not at all the romantic chocolate and roses day that we celebrate today. I tell this story because many people feel left out or sad when they are without a partner on this so-called special day of love. I think it is important for everyone to think about the day of love with greater awareness and expanded consciousness. Love for love’s sake.
Healthy self love
On this day and every day let’s embrace healthy self love. If you do not have a partner buy yourself a beautiful rose or get yourself a lovely chocolate because you are lovable and worthy of great love. You are making a bold statement to the universe that you are the love you seek.
If you do want a partner, there is no better message to send to the cosmos then one of healthy self love. Love begets love. This, as a daily reminder, will bring more love into your life.
In A Happy Relationship
If you are in a harmonious relationship, I would like to suggest spending time together in a way that makes you both happy, relaxed and open to heartfelt conversation. You can do away with the stressful status quo of what you are “suppose to do on this romantic day” of making all the right purchases and reservations.
Simply love each other with warm intent that conveys your heart felt feelings openly. If both of you really want to be in the crowded restaurant then go for it. However, if you are doing it just because it is February 14 maybe rethink and discuss with your partner. Reassess your plans and your way of expressing your love. Make it personal to you and your relationship.
In An Unhappy Relationship
If you are in a relationship and are not happy perhaps today is the day to clear the air. The heighten awareness in mass consciousness is all about love so maybe ride on the high vibration. Can you find your spark once again or find a higher love between you?
A simple kindness, sharing a special memory, hold hands again, give each other a good hug. Remember, you were in love with each other. Perhaps now is a time to find the higher love born of deep friendship. Gently pave a way to what is at the heart of your pain.
Both of you may be surprised at how a little tenderness can open a path that helps you understand the unsettling undercurrents that may be present. If things get heated, breath and take a walk outside. Do so while quietly holding hands.
As in the words of Loa Tzu “Silence and introspection can often provide deeper understanding than endless discussion.”
Did You Know
There is a global holiday that celebrates women’s friendship. It is called Galentine’s Day and is observed any day between February 1 to Feb 13. This tells me people love love. They love to be loved, talk about love and celebrate love.
Where does all this love begin? It begins with the Self. To love yourself is not a selfish thing to do. It is brave and one of the most important things you can do for your wellbeing, your health and everyone around you.
Self Love
Healthy Self love is unwavering, open minded and open hearted. When faced with an uncomfortable truth the emergence of your strength and courage rise to the top. You easily love your friend’s, family and people you meet along the way, not because you can get something but because love is ever present, love longs to be shared, and flows effortlessly.
Just the beginning
Valentine’s Day brings up the topic of romantic love, but it is pure love that must be at the dawning of each new day. It is a choice to Be the love that longs to flow through you.
Don’t let the irony of the Origin of Valentine’s Day be lost on you. What was once a somewhat brutal festival of fertility, the execution of a bishop and or a Saint has become a day of love, well stranger things have happened. Today I say to all of you, love for the sake of love. It is our greatest power. Now that you know a bit of the origin of Valentine’s Day please do not waste one precious second of your life by feeling left out or lonely if you don’t have a valentine. There is a vast difference between being alone and being lonely. To bridge that gap you need only to love yourself. You have you. some inspirational quotes and verses
the stories vary here is more about the history of valentines day
love Astara
