In this case, according to the latin dictionary defines the adjective “valens” or “valentis” means “influential; powerful/potent/effective; severe; strong; vigorous/healthy/robust’. Those words are intense and attractive, so it makes sense that “Valentine” became a very popular name, especially between the second and eighth centuries A.D. Since there were so many “Valentines” it is difficult to pinpoint a single “St. Valentine”.
Research seems to instead lead to Geoffrey Chaucer, an English poet. Prior to his poem “Parliament of Foules” in the late 14th century, there are no references to Valentine’s Day being celebrated. The actual publication of the work is unknown, it is believed to have been written for a royal engagement or wedding. The poem has three parts: the writer’s commentary and two dream sequences. Here’s a modern translation of the old English version.
Analysis of the entire work is beyond the scope of this post, but this poetry review does a nice job of explaining the three parts of the poem, how they fit together and their historical context. I was most interested in the third part of the poem which is the discussion among the birds - or Parliament of the Fowl. It reminded me a bit of George Orwell’s Animal Farm farmyard banter.
In the poem, Nature presides over a bird “Parliament” and the topic appears to be about love and springtime mating. She holds a female eagle in her hand - the “prize” several male eagles seek. A discussion among the various bird species that are represented ensues, and then quickly deteriorates into a shouting match with insults flying. Nature harshly silences the flock to restore order and calls for a vote.
There is a discussion about the “common good”. The fowl have differing opinions about how the contest should be decided. The goose insists the female eagle should be the decision maker. Ultimately, the contest remains unresolved and the decision is made to postpone the outcome to a future date. Does that sound familiar?
In my view, the poem has much more to do with philosophy and how our unique experiences influence the way we resolve conflict. I was not expecting the apparent source of a commercialized holiday that purportedly celebrates love, to demonstrate that little has changed in 600 years when it comes to resolving parliamentary issues.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Let’s all have some chocolate! - Dawn