c. 1996 Religion New Service

(RNS)-How did a priest martyred for his faith in third-century Rome become a symbol of romance for sweethearts the world over?

History says little of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers whose feast day is celebrated Feb. 14. Scholars agree he was a priest and physician who lived in Rome during the reign of Claudius II. Arrested for aiding his fellow persecuted Christians, Valentine was beaten and beheaded about 270 A.D.

Yet Valentine’s Day-with its traditions of Cupids, billets-doux, greeting cards, red roses, and heart-shaped boxes of candy-has little to do with religion.

Rather, scholars believe the modern lovers’ holiday has its roots in medieval lore. Recorded in some 14th-century English literature is the belief that birds choose their mates on Feb. 14. Because Christianized Europe venerated St. Valentine on that same day, religion and romance became inextricably linked.

Valentine’s Day”has nothing to do with St. Valentine at all,”said Bruce Miller, chief religious bibliographer at the Catholic University of America in Washington and an expert on saints.”It’s just called Valentine’s Day.” The earliest example of a sweetheart referring to her paramour as Valentine is found in”The Paston Letters,”a collection of personal and business correspondence mostly among members of a Norfolk, England, family between 1422 and 1529.

Elizabeth Drews had a daughter, Margery, whom she wished to see married. Elizabeth wrote in February 1477 to John Paston, a relative and prospective bridegroom:”And, cousin, upon Friday is St. Valentine’s Day and every bird chooseth him a mate, and if it like you to come on Thursday at night … I trust to God that you shall speak to my husband, and I shall pray that we shall bring the matter to a conclusion.” Said Miller of the correspondence:”They were doing some matchmaking. That’s what it’s all about.” Later that month, young Margery herself wrote to John, apparently becoming the first to connect the name of Valentine with notions of mating and love.”Unto my right well beloved Valentine … I recommend me unto you, full heartily desiring to hear of your welfare, which I beseech Almighty God long for to preserve unto His pleasure and your heart’s desire.” In the 17th century, the link between faith and infatuation grew stronger. Clergy, wanting to lower the intensity of amorous notes written by some in their flocks, suggested substituting saint names for the names of lovers. The aim, said Miller:”Eliminate all the romantic and sexual overtones.” Soon,”Dear Valentine”was a common love-letter salutation, gaining popularity from the earlier connection.

While most scholars now are convinced of the medieval roots of Valentine’s Day, some historians have argued otherwise. They suggest that early Christians established Valentine’s feast day to counter pagan observances honoring Februata Juno, a Roman goddess of love, and Lupercalia, an ancient Roman love festival.

The idea is intriguing. During Lupercalia, young men clad in animal fur ran about Rome slapping passersby with strips of goat skin to secure fertility.

But most scholars discount the pagan connection.”Exceedingly doubtful,”wrote Alban Butler in his 18th-century classic”Lives of the Saints.””Ridiculous,”declared Miller, who said there is no firm evidence that Lupercalia even existed.

All of which shows that nearly 1,700 years after his death, St. Valentine and his legacy continue to be shrouded in mystery-and misunderstanding.

For proof, just ask the folks at St. Valentine’s Church in Peru, Ill., 100 miles west of Chicago.

Why was the church named for the patron saint of lovers?”Some of the original founders, the old-timers, named it Valentine because of the windows in the church,”said the Rev. Ed Bawiec.”The people who gave the windows to the church were named Valentine.” Ahhh, sweet romance.

END PAQUETTE