- 30.03.2025
Separating Myth from History: Reexamining St. Valentine’s Legacy
In ancient times, the name of St. Valentine was associated with romantic traditions; however, modern research refutes many popular myths related to his life. Historical records show that the belief that he performed wedding ceremonies for lovers—and even more so, conducted marriages between same-sex individuals—has no objective historical basis. It is important to note that in the 3rd century, when the priest lived, the rite of the ecclesiastical marriage ceremony had not yet been formally established, which underscores the discrepancy of such claims with the reality of that time. Based on the analysis of multiple sources, it can be stated with certainty that the idea of St. Valentine marrying lovers belongs to the later mythologizing of his figure and is not documentarily confirmed. This approach not only distorts historical facts but also diminishes the traditional understanding of the sacrament of marriage. In conclusion, modern research helps separate the historical figure of St. Valentine from mythological narratives, allowing his life to be viewed from a new, more objective perspective.