Saint Valentine and Epilepsy: from Medieval Devotion to Modern Global Advocacy

Epilepsy, described for millennia, has historically been interpreted through supernatural perspectives, leading to the search for religious intercession. Among the saints associated with the disease, Saint Valentine stood out in medieval Europe, especially in German-speaking regions, where his image was depicted curing people with seizures. Pilgrimages to sites with relics and popular names such as "Saint Valentine's Disease" highlight this devotion. In the 21st century, this symbolic heritage was reinterpreted in the context of advocacy, influencing the creation of International Epilepsy Day, celebrated on the second Monday of February, close to the saint's liturgical date on February 14th. This article revisits the historical trajectory of this association and discusses how cultural elements can be used to reduce stigma and promote scientific awareness about epilepsy.