It’s Almost Valentine’s Day
Hearts… and candy… and flowers, oh my — the most exciting day of the year for lovers young and old is upon us. And in reality it all did begin with the birds and bees. As legend tells us, February 14th is the date birds choose their mates for the coming year.
Ancient Romans first celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia on February 14th to honor Juno, Goddess of women, marriage and queen of the Roman gods and goddesses.
Another story credits an early Christian priest named Valentine. Emperor Claudius II had forbidden young men to marry, believing unmarried men made better soldiers. But Valentine so believed in the magic of love that he secretly married young couples. Valentine was executed on February 14th, about 269 AD, and was later named a saint. It was England’s King Henry VII who, in 1537, officially declared February 14th the holiday of St. Valentine’s Day.
Ever wonder where the expression “Wear your heart on your sleeve” came from? In the Middle Ages, young men and women placed their names in a bowl and later pulled a name in lottery style to see who would be their Valentine. They pinned the name on their sleeves for one week for everyone to see.
A familiar symbol of Valentine’s Day is Cupid, the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, armed with his bow and arrow to pierce a couple’s hearts and open them to love and romance.
Did you know that chocolate contains phenylethylamine — the very same chemical produced by the brain when we are in love? No wonder we so often turn to chocolate!
Scent plays a huge role in attraction and seduction. The scent of roses puts women in a playful, flirtatious mood. Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine have the same effect. Men, on the other hand, are attracted to the scent of cinnamon, vanilla and musk.
How do Pagans celebrate Valentine’s Day? Much the same as anyone else, but we may choose to Honor a Goddess — Venus or Aphrodite. Use roses and red candles on your altar, burn rose or jasmine incense. Write a note to the Goddess thanking her for the love that surrounds you.
Another beautiful tradition is hosting a Valentine’s Tea party — rose hip or jasmine tea with heart shaped tea sandwiches, cookies and chocolates.
Just as all holidays can be a sad or forlorn time, Valentine’s Day can magnify the feeling of loneliness. If you find yourself in that position, remember — it’s just a day. Pamper and treat yourself. Send yourself a card, buy yourself flowers, get a massage. Make plans to be with friends. Random acts of kindness go a long way — if you know someone struggling with loneliness, send them a card or a small token.