It was the Second Century AD and Claudius the Second was emperor of Rome. Dubbed “Claudius the Cruel” because of his merciless means and barbaric campaigns, Claudius was most noted for finally vanquishing the pesky Gothics who had been a perpetual thorn in the side of the Rome. It was a pyrrhic victory, however, and while the legions of Rome were wearing thin, the men of the empire were not exactly climbing over each other to reach the recruiting stations. Many Romans had embraced the new Christianity religion and as a result, seemed now more interested in making love than war. The traditional orgies and promiscuity were rapidly being replaced by the more acclimate and inveterate state of marriage and family life. Entangled and attached, more and more were less willing to trade the comforts of home for the dubious battlefields of Europe and Asia. Poor Claudius was left with a problem and after a little head scratching, decided that the only way to solve this problem was to forbid all marriages and engagements. This being ancient Rome and all, once the decree was passed, to disobey was to die. The church, which itself had at that time only recently passed from a period of much persecution, prudently complied and rice throwing was thereafter put on hold. A few rogue priests, however, continued marrying couples in secret and one such rebel was Father Valentine. Now, I’m not sure when Father Valentine was made a Saint, but on February 14th, 279 AD, he was made martyr. The good priest was dragged before the Prefect of Rome, found guilty of crimes against the state and was sentenced to die twice. He was beaten to death with clubs after which he was beheaded and I know, I would have preferred a happier ending myself.

Nevertheless, back then the middle of February also marked the beginning of Lupercalia, the pagan festivity celebrating fertility and love and Valentine’s Day then like Christmas, once again shows Christianity and Paganism in an intricate and intriguing embrace. This weekend Father Valentine, one of the more celebrated of Christian martyrs, will join hands with Cupid, the ancient Roman God of Love to construct and restore the magic of affection that is especially these days, so readily lost to circumstance.

Valentine’s Day gives many couples the opportunity to inject into otherwise routine relationships, some much needed passion and romance. Roses and bouquets are the order of the day and oh for the day when everyday will be like Valentine’s Day.

Now much has been written on the subject of love and much advice given on how to grow and nurture this most precious and delicate flower in the garden of life. I’d like to if I may, share my favorite text on the matter, which is taken from the book, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran.

Then said Almitra, speak to us of love, and in a great voice he said:

“When love beckons, follow though the way be hard and steep

When with wings it enfolds you, yield though the swords hidden among the pinions might wound you.

Even as love crowns you, so shall it crucify you, even as it is for your growth, so is it for your pruning,

Even as it ascends to your height and caress your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun.

So shall it descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth,

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart and in that knowledge become a fragment of life’s heart.

But if in your fear, you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure.

Then it is better for you to pass out of love’s threshing floor into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter and weep but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught, but itself and takes naught, but from itself for love is sufficient unto love.

And think not that you can direct the course of love, for love if it finds you worthy, directs your course.”

Happy Valentine’s Day Belize and may Cupid’s arrow find its mark upon the heart of the one you desire the most.