Saint Valentinus

[perseusomega9]

Have any scholars explored the possibility that Saint Valentine of lover's fame, is a hagiographic co-opting of Valentinus, part of the absorption of Valentinianism into the larger church? He is the patron saint of love afterall, and Valentinianism was strong in the bridal chamber motifs.

[andrewcriddle]

Saint Valentine does not appear to be associated with lovers before the middle ages.

Andrew Criddle

[Secret Alias]

It is curious though the gap between Epiphany and Valentine's day (don't remember what it is off hand but I remember thinking it was significant)

[andrewcriddle]

It is curious though the gap between Epiphany and Valentine's day (don't remember what it is off hand but I remember thinking it was significant)

Epiphany to Valentine's Day inclusive is 40 days. (No I do not think this is related to the early history of Lent.)

Andrew Criddle

[Secret Alias]

Curious though.

[Secret Alias]

Curious that so many early - and I mean EARLY - authorities think the Epiphany was the day of the baptism with the holy spirit or Christ in the shape of dove coming down which would naturally have been followed by the wilderness thing:

Lent is traditionally described as lasting for 40 days, in commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry, during which he endured temptation by Satan.

Math is hard to erase.

[perseusomega9]

Damn, I was hoping it would be as glaringly obvious as