I admit to having stolen this quote from Susan, but this is what Saint Valentine was all about
The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian Martyr. The emperor was Claudius II. The Christian was Valentinus.
Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ; not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs. He was arrested and imprisoned.
During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might be brought to Valentinus for lessons. She had been blind since birth. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God.
2007-01-01 12:26:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
She saw the world through his eyes, trusted his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.
"Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?" Julia asked one day.
"Yes, my child, He hears each one."
"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"
"God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him," Valentinus said.
"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe! I do!" She knelt and grasped his hand.
They sat quietly together, each praying. Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell. Radiant, Julia screamed, "Valentinus, I can see! I can see!"
"Praise be to God!" Valentinus exclaimed, and he knelt in prayer.
2007-01-01 12:27:13 · update #1
On the eve of his death Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God. He signed it, "From your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. On each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world
so when did it become the hallmark holiday?
2007-01-01 12:27:41 · update #2
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school
2007-01-01 12:35:32 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not a day to make single people feel bad about themselves - you just proved it. It is a day to remember ALL the People you love. I get my good friends little things on Valentine's day sometimes. I think it is wonderful we take one day a year to remember those we care for.
2007-01-01 12:32:23 · answer #2 · answered by jamocha 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was just starting to feel good about makig it through the holidays and then you bring up Valentines day
2007-01-01 12:47:48 · answer #3 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it really started to get off track in the seventies
2007-01-01 12:36:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know. Money.
My boyfriend and I refuse to celebrate it.
2007-01-01 12:31:37 · answer #5 · answered by angk 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know. That was an interesting story though. Thanks for sharing.
2007-01-01 12:31:15 · answer #6 · answered by hiclaude 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i don't know
2007-01-01 12:31:17 · answer #7 · answered by icheeknows 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋