Another orbit around our celestial ball of fire, and the day of love is upon us once again. Valentine’s Day, celebrated predominantly by Western cultures, marks February 14th as a day to adorn loved ones with romantic gifts and gestures. From hearts, to cupids and roses, this Saint’s Day is steeped in iconic symbolism denoting all-things love and desire. Of course, this is how we’ve come to understand and commemorate Valentine’s Day, but its origins are actually shrouded in darker and more sinister undertones.
- By Lucy Davis
⁓ Bloody Beginnings ⁓
Our favourite tale of how Valentine’s Day came to be is rooted in Pagan traditions. Back in the days of early Rome, each February young men and women would revel in Lupercalia - a festival honouring the birth of Romulus and Remus, the twin founders of Rome. Over time, the festival came to represent the coming of spring and fertility and was revered as a way to purify the city.
Legend has it that young, single ladies would put their names into an urn and eligible bachelors would take turns to pick one. The idea was for the couples to pair off for the rest of the festival to delight in the celebrations and merriment. No Pagan festival would be complete without a good, old sacrificial element. For Lupercalia, a goat and a dog were chosen as the ill-fated ones. Strips of the animal hides were dipped in blood and used to whip the women, in the belief it would enhance their fertility.
⁓ Farewell to the Fillies, Greetings to the Saints ⁓
As Christianity began to replace Paganism in Rome, Lupercalia was considered immoral and banished by Pope Gelasius, who instead paved the way for a holier philosophy and lifestyle. Replacing the lottery of love for that of saints, the men would pick the name of a saint from the urn and endeavour to adopt his saintly virtues for the rest of the year.
Whilst on his quest to transform these studs into saints, Gelasius made one, St. Valentine the patron saint of love, and every February 14th was reserved for his honour. The true identity of Saint Valentine is still unclear, but it is thought that he was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.
⁓ A Tragic End For St. Valentine ⁓
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life. –Shakespeare
As the old yarn goes, St. Valentine was imprisoned for performing marriage ceremonies in secret and going against the will of the Emperor, who preferred to see his young stallions training for the military. Whilst confined within his four walls, St. Valentine fell in love with a young lady who would often visit him. Unfortunately, for these star-crossed lovers, St. Valentine was awaiting execution, and just before meeting his fate, he sent a letter to his love, signed, ‘From your Valentine.’
⁓ Let Love Shine On ⁓
Like in the case of hapless St. Valentine, the most poignant stories are the ones that tug on our heartstrings. We are creatures of romance and imagination, and we seek out our own happily ever afters. Whilst some consider Valentine’s Day to denote an air of cheesiness, there is undeniably something magical about celebrating love, no matter how understated or grandiose the gesture.
Let’s be honest, feeling loved is never a bad thing. If some of us need that extra reminder once a year to make someone feel loved, then we say, Let Love Shine On, Baby.
⁓ Flowers - For Then, Now & Forever ⁓
Love does not dominate; it cultivates. –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Since fertility was associated with agriculture and the coming of spring, flowers became a symbol of Valentine’s Day and were often the gift of choice. Introduced in the 18th century by Charles II of Sweden, each flower was given a unique meaning. Sending floral bouquets to your loved one, therefore, became a way to pass on secret, romantic messages. Couples would have entire conversations, using only flowers to communicate. How beautiful is that?
At Thistle By Nature, we view the world through floral-tinted glasses. Each day is far more beautiful and inspiring when surrounded by Mother Nature’s fruits.
For us, love is nature in its purest, wildest form.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Love Thistle by Nature.
