History
Given their culture’s embrace of this saint—or at least the lore that surrounds him—the sending and receiving of valentines on February 14th is one of the traditions with which U.S. Christians are likely already familiar. Of course, it might be a stretch to call it a “liturgical tradition,” especially since St. Valentine has historically been a lesser-celebrated saint and very little is known about him.
However, St. Valentine traditions, and specifically letter-writing, aren’t entirely without spiritual significance. After all, an important part of St. Valentine’s legend are the tales of his eagerness to support marriage and write letters of encouragement to Christians who lived under persecution.
As we relayed in our St. Valentine’s Day post, one legend teaches that valentine-writing was inspired by Valentine’s own letter to his jailor’s daughter, which he signed, “Your Valentine.”
One Britannica article about the history of the day suggests that the modern-day letter exchange might have been an extension of the German tradition of sharing friendship cards called Freundschaftskarten. Exchanging these friendship cards was originally a popular custom for New Year’s Day and for friends’ birthdays, but in the eighteenth century, Valentine’s Day became another occasion to send Freundschaftskarten.
Valentines have certainly taken on a more romantic tone in our own day and are now often smeared with red decorations and hearts. These symbols are also ones that we Christians can recognize from our tradition and incorporate proudly into our remembrance of St. Valentine. The color red is associated with martyrs, and one of the things we do know for certain about St. Valentine is that he was blessed to be counted among our Lord’s martyrs. Moreover, the heart has long been a symbol of passion, which St. Valentine certainly had for his Christian brethren and for his Lord.
St. Valentine’s Letter
Given St. Valentine’s historical connection with letter-writing, we think this day provides Christians a wonderful opportunity to take their prayers for their brethren to paper and write out an encouraging note for someone who has been in their prayers!
As a sample, we included this letter from which you might take inspiration as you write out your valentines this year!
Dear __________,
Greetings in Christ Jesus!
As the remembrance of St. Valentine has long inspired the tradition of letter-writing, it seemed fitting for me to write to you as his commemoration day draws near. I think of you often and remember you in many prayers before the Lord’s throne of grace. May He grant that this letter finds you well—in body, yes, but especially in spirit, filled with the joy, peace, and love that He has poured into your heart through faith. I am eager to hear how you have been. What blessings have you received? What struggles have you undergone? I will join you in prayer for all these things.
Above all, I pray that the Lord may have use of this little note for your encouragement in the faith. Whatever these days may bring, hold fast to Christ, and in Him to all that is good, right, and true. He will never leave you or forsake you; His love endures forever! May we all rejoice in this hope. Write to me soon that I may have reason for joy in your encouragement.
The grace of the Lord be with you always!
In Christ,
________
References:
1. https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-we-give-valentine-cards
Thank you for this beautiful heartfelt letter, it brought tears to my eyes.
In Christ
Peggy
Beautiful letter of sweet sentiments. I had a dear friend, my mother’s age, for many years. She would have loved that letter. We always exchanged valentine cards. She was a dear Christian lady and always prayed for me and my family, as well as many others. She shared a love for Victorian cards with me, and once gave me a subscription to the magazine “Victoria.”
Thank you for this reminder of the valentines.