Saint Valentine is an emblematic figure of Christianity, often associated with love and the festival of lovers celebrated every 14 February. However, his story remains shrouded in mystery and legend. Several saints by the name of Valentine are mentioned in early Christian accounts, but the one most often cited in connection with lovers' day is thought to be a priest or bishop who lived under the Roman Empire in the IIIᵉ century.
I. The Historical Context: An Empire Hostile to Christianity
In the IIIᵉ century, the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Claudius II the Goth (268-270), who led numerous military campaigns and needed a strong, disciplined army. According to legend, Claudius II forbade young men to marry so that they could devote themselves solely to war. He believed that unmarried soldiers performed better and were less distracted by their families.
It was in this context that Valentinus, a Christian priest, is said to have defied the emperor's orders by celebrating marriages in secret for young Christian couples. He believed in the sacredness of marriage and true love, refusing to abandon the practice despite prohibitions.
His commitment to Christian unions and his refusal to obey imperial laws led to his arrest and imprisonment.
II. The Imprisonment and Martyrdom of Saint Valentine
According to tradition, Valentine was captured and brought before Emperor Claudius II. Claudius II was initially impressed by the priest's wisdom and faith, and considered sparing him if he agreed to renounce his Christian faith and worship the Roman gods. But Valentinus categorically refused to deny Christ and even tried to convert Claudius II to Christianity.
His refusal provoked the anger of the emperor, who ordered his execution. Before his execution, Valentinus is said to have been placed in the care of a Roman officer, Asterius, whose daughter, Julia, was blind from birth. Touched by Valentin's kindness, Asterius allowed him to visit her.
According to legend, Valentin prayed for the young girl and, by a miracle, she recovered her sight. This prodigy impressed Asterius' entire family, who are said to have converted to Christianity. However, this conversion would have worsened Valentin's fate, and his execution was decided without delay.
Valentin was finally martyred on 14 February 269. It is said that before he died, he wrote a farewell letter to Julia, signed "Your Valentine", giving rise to the tradition of cards and sweet words exchanged on Valentine's Day.
He was executed either by beheading or by caning followed by decapitation, depending on the source. His body is said to have been buried on the Via Flaminia, an ancient road leading to Rome, where a basilica was later erected in his honour.
III. The Cult of Saint Valentine and the Birth of a Romantic Tradition
After his martyrdom, Valentine was venerated as a saint by the early Christians. His cult developed rapidly, and several churches were built in his honour, notably in Rome and Terni. His name was included in the Roman Martyrology, and he became one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages.
However, it was in the XIVᵉ century, in England and France, that Saint Valentine began to be associated with courtly love. This idea comes in particular from the writings of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who mentions in his poem Parliament of Birds (1382) that 14 February is the day when "each bird chooses its mate".
The idea of Valentine's Day being the day of lovers then spread across Europe, and lovers began to exchange letters and love poems on this occasion.
IV. Valentine's Day Today: Between Religious Tradition and Popular Celebration
Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world as the festival of lovers. Cards, flowers, chocolates and declarations of love mark the day. However, the religious significance of the saint has been somewhat overshadowed by the commercial and romantic aspect of the holiday.
In the Catholic Church, the memory of Saint Valentine was removed from the liturgical calendar in 1969 due to the lack of accurate historical evidence about his life. However, his cult lives on in certain regions, notably in Terni (Italy), where he is still celebrated as the patron saint of lovers.
Conclusion: Saint Valentine, Myth or Reality?
Although there are many legends surrounding the life of Saint Valentine, he remains an emblematic figure of love and sacrifice. His story illustrates the strength of commitment, fidelity to principles and courage in the face of oppression.
Whether we celebrate this holiday out of religious tradition or romanticism, Saint Valentine above all embodies a universal message of love, transcending time and borders.
