The Valentines Day Inquiry

“Love wins, always and forever.”

I have always enjoyed St. Valentines Day. Not just because our son Nick was born on this day, but I love the idea of love! When we lived in Wilmette, I’d invite friends over to celebrate, no not on Nick’s birthday, but on another day. I’d decorate our home with red hearts and create guessing games about the day to entertain my company. Below are fourteen questions to see if you’re up to date on your Valentine trivia. The answers are at the bottom of the page:

1. What are the roots of Valentine’s Day, and how did it evolve from a pagan festival to a Christian holiday?

2. Does the word “feast” mean large meal?

3. Who was St. Valentine, and why is he associated with love and romance?

4. Did St. Valentine restore the sight to the blind daughter of his jailer?

5. How did the ancient Roman Festival of Lupercalia influence the modern celebration of Valentine’s Day?

6. What role did Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem “Parliament of Fowles” play in linking Valentine’s Day to Romantic love?

7. How has Valentine’s Day customs and traditions changed over time?

And to answer by yourself.

1. What’s your favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

2. Do you celebrate on the 13th or the 14th?

3. Do you believe in love at first sight?

4. What’s the best Valentine’s Day gift you’ve ever received? Roses, Chocolates?

5. How do you like to show love and appreciation on Valentine’s Day?

6. Do you feel Valentine’s Day is just for couples, or can friends celebrate too?

7. Do you tend to plan a big celebration or keep it low key?

Answers:

1. Valentine’s Day has its root in ancient Rome, specifically in the pagan festival of Lupercalia. This festival honored Faunus, the god of fertility, and agriculture. The Christian church, led by Pope Gelasius I, replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine to honor the martyrdom of St. Valentine, a Christian priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage.

2. No, “feast” does not refer to a large meal, but rather an annual religious celebration or a day dedicated to a particular saint.

3. St. Valentine was a 3rd century Roman saint, who ministered to the persecuted Christians. He was imprisioned for defying the emperor’s ban on marriage, performing secret marriages, believing love was a sacred covent

4. According to legend, while St. Valentine was imprisoned, he restored the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter, Julia, through prayer. Which led to the jailer’s conversion to Christianity. The story highlights Valentine’s faith and compassion. Before his execution, Valentine wrote Julia a farewell letter, signing it “From your Valentine”.

5. The Roman Festival of Lupercalia has had a lasting impact on the modern celebration of Valentine’s Day. The festival involved rituals like animal sacrifices, matchmaking and feasting.

6. Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem, “Parliament of Fowls” written in the Middle ages is a dream vision about love and mate selection. The poem’s narrator falls asleep reading about Valentine’s Day and dreams of birds gathering to choose their mates.

7. Valentine’s Day has undergone significant changes since its inception, transforming from a pagan fertility festival to a celebration of love and romance.

I hope you enjoy the quiz, and that your plans for the day of love fulfills your dreams.