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| St. Valentine |
Today is February 14th, commonly called Valentine's Day or St. Valentines Day. This day, which is commemorated around the world (from China to Pakistan not to mention all of over the western world) is the day that lovers celebrate love and romance!
We are very familiar with the trappings of Valentine's day, such as hearts, candy, love, roses, balloons and the all too symbol of love and passion- the color red that permeates this day, but the real question is where did this day come from?
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius inaugurated, February 14 to celebrate and remember the martyrdom of St. Valentine who was a Roman Priest who was martyred during the reign of Emperor Claudius II for marrying Christian couples and for aiding any Christians who were being persecuted by him.
Once imprisoned, one legend says that while Valentinus was there he restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter and another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine."
So even while under immense persecution he still remembered to love others. As should we. So, who is your Valentine?
I lost mine a while back an haven't found a replacement. So my Valentine is my kids and grandkids for now. And all my wonderful friends.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings
Rita
My sympathies for your loss. I presently without a Valentine so my family (parents and siblings) are my Valentine!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is my valentine, without a doubt. I've never met a man more loving, open-minded, open-hearted than he is. Some times I have to remind him about special days, but he always comes through in the end with something spectacular. My favorite is the puppy he brought me one year for Valentines. For an animal lover like me, it was a phenomenal gift.
ReplyDeleteI've heard the story of St. Valentine, but the part about the guard's daughter is something new. Thank you for sharing.
Valentine's Day is a celebration of love in all its forms, from friendship to passion. There are so many, many forms of love and all of them beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAh, I knew it. I had a disa...um...er...discussion with my Valentine about the origin of the day.
ReplyDeleteI said, "St. Valentine's."
He said, "Saint? Really, Leanne? It's St. Patrick's day, but not St. Valentines day."
Ah, I knew it was wrong.
Thanks, Clare
Who is my Valentine?
Well, that would be Sir Wrong-much : )
You're right it is a celebration of all love as St. Valentine showed himself. ;)
ReplyDeleteSir Wrong Much?? Hahahahahahaa!
My wonderful husband is my Valentine. He shares the title with my three grandsons. They stole my heart the minute they were born.
ReplyDeleteThanks for some interesting facts.