Happy Valentine's Day! Here is a little history on this holiday as well as a free printable Valentine that I made for those of you who forgot the chocolates.
Saint Valentine was said to have demonstrated courage and valor in
helping Christian martyrs being persecuted under Emperor Claudius II in
Rome, during a time when giving any kind of aid to Christians was
considered a crime.
Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned for this
crime. He was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs, stoned and
finally beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. After his death, this gate
was known as Porta Valentini, later being renamed Porta Popolo.
There is a legend that says while awaiting his execution, he befriended
his jailer's blind daughter whose sight he restored to her.
According to
Alfonso Villiegas, in his book "Lives of Saints" the jailer was
Asterios, one of the Emperor's lieutenants. He and his family were
converted to Christianity by St. Valentine, and they were condemned to
death by Claudius II. Furthermore, according to legend, on the eve of
Valentinus' death, he wrote a farewell message to the jailer's daughter
and signed it, "Your Valentine." This is how Valentines Day evolved into a day where lovers give gifts to show their adoration for one another.
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| click to download |
Anatomical heart image from graphics fairy
Are you celebrating today? What are your plans? Do you hate this holiday? That's ok, you can tell us about that too!
