Why is Amethyst Considered as February Birthstone?

Introduction

The designation of amethyst as February birthstone goes back to ancient mythology, royal heritage, and romantic symbolism. This enchanting purple gemstone has maintained its status through centuries of cultural significance and we are going to explore more of that in this article.

But before everything, I know you know Amethyst’s connection to St. Valentine made it the birthstone for February.
However, didn’t you ever wonder who exactly was St. Valentine?
Or why is it that just because he wore the stone so it got regarded as the
February Birthstone?
If you didn’t, I’m sure you do now. And I got your answers ;)

Who was St. Valentine?

St. Valentine was a roman saint in the 3rd century. He is associated with courtly love and is celebrated for the same generally on 14th Feb in the western culture.

Now before we move ahead, what is courtly love?

As Per legends, it is believed that St. Valentine defied orders of the then emperor Claudius II and secretly married couples to spare the husbands from being conscripted to serve in war, which can be a reason for why he was celebrated.

Valentine’s day, also referred to as feast of Saint Valentine, originated as a Christian feast day honoring martyr (person who was killed for their testimony for Jesus or faith in Jesus) Valentine.
The stories indicate that Valentine was put behind the bars, because he conducted marriages for soldiers who were then not allowed to marry + practiced Christianity when it was forbidden, so it’s a double crime in that era.

Later, this day became of a cultural & religious significance, further smartly getting translated into commercial celebration of love & romance around the world.

To be honest, Valentine’s day wasn’t really celebrated as a romantic day until 17th century. From then only started the culture of sending cards and gifts or for that matter, any other token of love.

During the middle ages, Feb 14 was known as the beginning of bird’s mating season, which just somehow added to the idea the Valentine’s Day, slowly making it a day of romance over simply being a day of love.

The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer's "Parliament of Foules" (c. 1375) established the first connection between Valentine's Day and passionate love. This poetry which received wide recognition actually talked about birds finding a mate for themselves on 14th Feb, which may or may not have been due to onset of spring (the experts in this field can surely guide us better).

Connection between Amethyst & February

Now that we know that St. Valentine was celebrated for his commitment to love, more like letting people live who love, it’s almost understood that anything he’d do, would be associated with “love” at some point.

Amethyst happened to have it’s moment at one such point.

The image of a cupid was a legal sign of love in the Roman Empire. In order to be recognized by Roman soldiers and be sought for his marriage services, St. Valentine was said to have worn a purple amethyst stone ring with an engraved cupid. This likely explains why Valentine's Day became such a popular day for marriage proposals, as it has its roots in the forbidden unions that Valentine arranged.

So overall we can say that St Valentine, Cupid, and this whole concept of forbidden romance, helped in getting Amethyst the status it has today. The proud status of being the “couple’s stone” .

All these legends, the culture and people only helped amethyst be recognised for it’s ability to manifest soulful and deep emotional connection between lovers. And, in case the thread of love was broken by any chance, amethyst gemstone would be helpful in performing a successful CPR, meaning, bringing back the lost love.

And while you are here, (and may or may not be experiencing some troubles in paradise) allow me to share this article with you that talks about the spiritual properties of this gorgeous beauty called amethyst.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can people who aren't born in February still benefit from wearing amethyst?

Yes. Though February-born individuals have a unique connection to amethyst, its healing and balancing properties offer advantages to anyone seeking calm, clarity, or creativity.

Q: Is gifting amethyst in February a symbolic gesture?

Yes, gifting amethyst during this month conveys feelings of love, protection, and inner peace. This makes it a meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine's Day celebrations.

Q: How do crystal healers view amethyst's significance for February-born individuals?

Crystal healers believe that amethyst helps those born in February connect with higher consciousness, manage emotional sensitivity, and remain grounded during seasonal changes.

Q: Are there different amethyst varieties that resonate with specific February zodiac signs?

Yes, for instance, the bold energy of deep Siberian amethyst may appeal to Aquarians. On the other hand, lighter lavender or chevron amethyst aligns more closely with Pisces's emotional and intuitive aspects.

Q: I'm not into astrology. Does amethyst still hold significance if I'm born in February?

Beyond astrology, amethyst represents clarity, creativity, and emotional calm. Anyone born in February can appreciate these qualities. And let's not forget; it looks stunning in jewelry as well.

Q: Can I manifest with amethyst if I'm born in February?

Amethyst is ideal for clarity-based manifestations, such as letting go of overthinking, improving sleep, or unlocking creativity. Hold it, focus on your intention, and let it support your energy.

Q: Why is amethyst often linked to emotional intelligence?

Amethyst is often linked to emotional intelligence because it's believed to promote calmness under pressure, encourage thoughtful reflection before reacting, and help you trust your intuition. These qualities are the foundation of strong emotional intelligence.