I love Valentine’s Day, and had a long chat with Lord Rössi about its true origins. He is so knowledgeable about the history of everything. But before I tell you the true story, as we Fée know it to be, let me tell you about what Jake and I are doing on February 14th.
We plan to spend the entire day together. That will be a first. Maybe the Banshees can behave for just this one day. Though, I don't think romance is a Banshee trait. In any case, Jake and I are going ice skating on Lake Maxine in the morning. The air is so fresh and crisp at this time of the year. And I have a beautiful new white skating outfit. It’s trimmed in ice blue, and so adorable. Of course, I look amazing in it.
After skating, we’re flying out to our favorite picnic spot, deep in the woods. Tara discovered it when she followed an injured mother skunk to its den. The clearing has a wonderful 1,000-year old tree. It’s said to have grown on the exact spot where the Faery Viviane entrapped Merlin. I love it there. It’s so peaceful and quiet. After lunch, we will fly home for a wonderful celebration. I can’t wait. It’s been over a month since our last party.
Okay, back to the origins of Valentine’s Day. Lord Rössi did some research in our history files, which date back to 500 BT (Beginning of Time). King Luper, the second king of Calabiyau (980 BT), dedicated the Ides of February (mid-February) as a celebration of harmony and love. It was also the day he married Queen Calia, a most loving and kind Fée.
From that day on, many couples also married or got engaged during the celebration that became known as Luper-Calia Day—Luper for our King and Calia for our most beloved Queen. All in Calabiyau still rejoice during this time in honor of those they love—family and friends, alike.
Of course, the ancient Pagans and then the Romans copied our festival and re-wrote history. What King Luper created as a beautiful and happy day got turned into a dreadful celebration where they sacrificed goats and dogs. The early Romans called their celebration Lupercalia and claimed the name Luper came from Lupa, the she-wolf who, legend says, suckled the infant orphans, Romulus and Remus, who founded Rome.
In a way, there may be an inkling of truth to this, at least the wolf part. King Lupa’s clan was the guardian of the wolves. Lord Rössi believes that the word lupus (wolf) originally came from King Luper. Of this, we cannot be sure. But it does make sense.
In any case, our beautiful celebration got further changed when a 3rd Century Bishop named Valentine, who, legend has it, married Christian soldiers and their betrothed against the wishes of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Claudius worshiped the Roman Gods and wasn't a fan of this budding new religion. In reality, it was probably because he knew that when soldiers got married, they were more likely to defect.
He sentenced the Bishop to a bloody death. But as with all human history, there are many, many different versions of the same story, even several men named Valentine, or derivations there of. It’s really hard to tell what is true and what is not. History does, however, tell us that Pope Gelasius held the first feast of St. Valentine on February 14, 496.
There are so many different human versions of the origins of Valentine’s Day. But at least you now know the true origin of this wonderful celebration—that was and should be based upon joy, love, and appreciation.
Next week, I’ll tell you about what’s happening with Cyndara and the Banshees.
Happy V-Day. Gotta Fly
Kandide
We plan to spend the entire day together. That will be a first. Maybe the Banshees can behave for just this one day. Though, I don't think romance is a Banshee trait. In any case, Jake and I are going ice skating on Lake Maxine in the morning. The air is so fresh and crisp at this time of the year. And I have a beautiful new white skating outfit. It’s trimmed in ice blue, and so adorable. Of course, I look amazing in it.
After skating, we’re flying out to our favorite picnic spot, deep in the woods. Tara discovered it when she followed an injured mother skunk to its den. The clearing has a wonderful 1,000-year old tree. It’s said to have grown on the exact spot where the Faery Viviane entrapped Merlin. I love it there. It’s so peaceful and quiet. After lunch, we will fly home for a wonderful celebration. I can’t wait. It’s been over a month since our last party.
Okay, back to the origins of Valentine’s Day. Lord Rössi did some research in our history files, which date back to 500 BT (Beginning of Time). King Luper, the second king of Calabiyau (980 BT), dedicated the Ides of February (mid-February) as a celebration of harmony and love. It was also the day he married Queen Calia, a most loving and kind Fée.
From that day on, many couples also married or got engaged during the celebration that became known as Luper-Calia Day—Luper for our King and Calia for our most beloved Queen. All in Calabiyau still rejoice during this time in honor of those they love—family and friends, alike.
Of course, the ancient Pagans and then the Romans copied our festival and re-wrote history. What King Luper created as a beautiful and happy day got turned into a dreadful celebration where they sacrificed goats and dogs. The early Romans called their celebration Lupercalia and claimed the name Luper came from Lupa, the she-wolf who, legend says, suckled the infant orphans, Romulus and Remus, who founded Rome.
In a way, there may be an inkling of truth to this, at least the wolf part. King Lupa’s clan was the guardian of the wolves. Lord Rössi believes that the word lupus (wolf) originally came from King Luper. Of this, we cannot be sure. But it does make sense.
In any case, our beautiful celebration got further changed when a 3rd Century Bishop named Valentine, who, legend has it, married Christian soldiers and their betrothed against the wishes of the Roman Emperor Claudius. Claudius worshiped the Roman Gods and wasn't a fan of this budding new religion. In reality, it was probably because he knew that when soldiers got married, they were more likely to defect.
He sentenced the Bishop to a bloody death. But as with all human history, there are many, many different versions of the same story, even several men named Valentine, or derivations there of. It’s really hard to tell what is true and what is not. History does, however, tell us that Pope Gelasius held the first feast of St. Valentine on February 14, 496.
There are so many different human versions of the origins of Valentine’s Day. But at least you now know the true origin of this wonderful celebration—that was and should be based upon joy, love, and appreciation.
Next week, I’ll tell you about what’s happening with Cyndara and the Banshees.
Happy V-Day. Gotta Fly
Kandide
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