Martyrdom, Lupercalia, and Chaucer


Both Valentines were buried on the Via Flaminia which may have led to some of the confusion. The traipsing about the countryside with religious relics was an important part of the spread of Christianity. It is entirely possible that their lives and stories became intertwined. As a matter of fact, the Catholic Church, when revamping their liturgical calendar stated "Though the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to particular calendars, since, apart from his name, nothing is known of Saint Valentine except that he was buried on the Via Flaminia on February 14." And, it is likely that a fair amount of story telling and subsequent oral tradition led to many of the legends of St Valentine(s). Remember also, that at this time, the early Middle Ages had been referred to as the Dark Ages characterising a general lack of learning or education. Under these conditions rumor and embellishment flourished.
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Romulus and Remus |

"And there was not any bird that is created through procreation that was not ready in her presence to hear her and receive her judgment. For this was Saint Valentine's day, when every bird of every kind that men can imagine comes to this place to choose his mate. And they made an exceedingly great noise; and earth and sea and the trees and all the lakes were so full that there was scarcely room for me to stand, so full was the entire place. And just as Alan, in The Complaint of Nature, describes Nature in her features and attire, so might men find her in reality. 318
This noble empress, full of grace, bade every bird take his station, as they were accustomed to stand always on Saint Valentine's day from year to year. That is to say, the birds of prey were set highest, and then the little birds who eat, as nature inclines them, worms or other things of which I speak not; but water-fowls sat the lowest in the dale; and birds that live on seed sat upon the grass, so many that it was a marvel to see."
This noble empress, full of grace, bade every bird take his station, as they were accustomed to stand always on Saint Valentine's day from year to year. That is to say, the birds of prey were set highest, and then the little birds who eat, as nature inclines them, worms or other things of which I speak not; but water-fowls sat the lowest in the dale; and birds that live on seed sat upon the grass, so many that it was a marvel to see."
In 18th century England, Valentine's Day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering candy, and sending greeting cards. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. Let it suffice to say that a rather dubious string of connections has been made to arrive at our present day celebration of Valentine's Day. I think we must all agree that our present day celebration of Valentine's day is far better than it's rather suspect past.
As we all must do from time to time, I will have to compromise a bit to the fairer sex. As much as I love gin and the classic martini, for one night I will have to cross that line and make an exception. I offer up two cocktails for your enjoyment. One is a Valentine's Martini made with (gulp) vodka, and the other is a gin cocktail.
The Sweetheart Martini
INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz vodka
2 oz cranberry juice 1 oz grand mariner
Squeeze of fresh lime juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker.
2. Strain and serve in a martini glass
2. Garnish raspberries, strawberries, or even white chocolate
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Tanqueray Rouge
INGREDIENTS
1.25 oz. gin (recommended: Tanqueray London Dry)
1 oz. simple syrup
.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. pomegranate juice
1 spiral lemon peel
1 oz. simple syrup
.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. pomegranate juice
1 spiral lemon peel
DIRECTIONS
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and pomegranate juice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with lemon peel spiral.
Enjoy the evening!
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