Contest | WINTER MOOD🌲Конкурс | ЗИМОВИЙ НАСТРІЙ / Winter. Love. Wine

Winter and love intertwined with the aroma of wine on February 14th, a day celebrated both for lovers and for wine aficionados - Trifon Zarezan. According to Orthodox tradition, Saint Martyr Trifon was born around 225 AD in the village of Komsada. He lived a righteous life and met his demise for refusing to renounce his Christian faith.

During the persecutions against Christians, the saint was arrested, tortured, and beheaded. Saint Trifon is the patron saint of vine-growers, winemakers, and tavern keepers. On this day, a ritual pruning of the vineyards takes place. Each vineyard owner faces the sunrise, crosses themselves three times, then prunes the first three branches, sprinkling the spot with red wine, holy water, and ashes to protect it until Christmas Eve. Afterward, the pruning of the vines begins.

The atmosphere is undeniably charged with significance.

The popularity of Valentine's Day is immense, yet often not fully understood. During the 3rd century when Saint Valentine lived, Rome was filled with refugees, immigrants - many of whom were Christians. Even the holy apostles stated that the Christian family is the backbone of society. They were aware that the Christian community contributed to both the Roman and universal society. Hence, they advised:

"Let him who has need be a husband, but to one woman and to love her, to respect her. Just as the woman must respect her husband, to raise a good generation" - this has always been the consideration of Saint Valentine. And thus, he is probably known in contemporary society as "the saint of love".

What archaeologists studying the history of Christianity know is that Saint Valentine suffered martyrdom in 269 AD. The date of February 14th was chosen according to the Roman ancient calendar. The date was chosen precisely because it was celebrated by all and was associated with fertility and family. Because the family was then considered the primary building block of society.

The relic - the head of Saint Valentine, can still be witnessed today at the church of "Santa Maria di Cosmedin", yet this fact remains obscure, even within Italy.

As the frenzy of commercialization swirls around, Valentine's Day stands steadfast, pulsating with the raw emotions of love and compassion. From the depths of the 3rd century until 314 AD, before Christianity gained official recognition, the catacombs beneath Rome whispered tales of countless martyrs, their stories etched in sacrifice and faith.

This rich tapestry of history infuses the day with a profound sense of connection, reminding us that love transcends the boundaries of time and commerce.

As time has marched on, Valentine's Day has transformed from a solemn commemoration of martyred priests into a widely commercialized event propelled by capitalist forces. It has achieved all this without even being an official holiday in any country worldwide today.

@olesia Winter. Love. Wine. Share the warmth! 💗