February 14, 2026
Damn, Valentine's Day Is A Big Ol' Mess
Turns out, St. Valentine was two, maybe three guys, unless they were the same guy?
TL;DR
- There were multiple St. Valentines, possibly only one or two individuals, and their connection to love is questionable.
- St. Valentine of Terni is the patron saint of epilepsy and beekeepers, not romance.
- The association with love likely stems from Chaucer's 'Parlement of Foules,' which depicts birds choosing mates on Valentine's Day.
- King Richard II, who died on February 14th, may have been referenced in the poem that inspired the holiday's romantic association.
- Shakespeare referenced Valentine's Day in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Hamlet,' indicating its cultural significance by his time.
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