St. V, with amorous birds |
He was a physician, by which I mean (at least in part) a faith healer. While he was in jail, he cured the jailer's daughter of blindness. Even though he was a doctor, he spread his faith like a contagion. The legend says he made forty-six converts of his guards and their families while in prison awaiting execution. He was beaten and beheaded eventually.
NECCO: the real candy hearts. |
Geoffrey Chaucer contends that the connection is that his feast is the day in which British birds begin spring mating. "For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make." "Chese his make" means "choose his mate," not make his cheese. Chaucer couldn't spell very well.
And the New England Confectionery Company found that conversation hearts that said "Kiss Me" and "Be Mine" sold better than little bruise-shaped candy with slogans like "Martyr Me" and "CU@ the Resurrection."
Happy Saint Valentine's Day.
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