02/14/2024
The True Origins of Valentine's Day 💕
Valentine's Day may seem like a Hallmark holiday focused on romantic love👩❤️💋👨, but its origins actually lie in a deep spiritual tradition.
The holiday's namesake - Saint Valentine - was a 3rd century Roman🔱 who defied the emperor's brutal ban on marriage to secretly marry couples in love. He was eventually arrested, imprisoned and martyred on February 14th.
Legends say Valentine left love notes📜 for the jailer's daughter he had befriended, signing them "From your Valentine." The exchange of love notes on Valentine's Day📆 then began as a memorial of his selfless act of love.
But the holiday's roots run even deeper. February has long been a month of ritual associated with purification, fertility and love.
The ancient Romans celebrated the Feast 🥐of Lupercalia this time of year to honor Juno, the goddess of love and marriage.
Over time the Christian church sought to "christianize" these pagan🧙♀️ rituals, and Saint Valentine became associated with the celebration of love during this month.
So while we may now think of Valentine's Day as just a chance to give cards, candy🍭 and flowers,💐 its essence lies in celebrating the power of love to transform lives and bring hearts together.
Valentine's sacrifice reminds us that true love💕 always seeks the highest good of others, not just ourselves.
This Valentine's Day, let's remember love's true purpose - to illuminate our lives with joy, peace, and a renewed sense of connection with each other and the divine spirit that unites us all.