Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Valentine's Day is fast approaching...
Did you know that although February has long been associated with romance, the real history of St. Valentine's Day is unknown? Today’s Valentine’s Day celebration contain parts of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with a romantic holiday?
One legend contends that Valentine was a third-century Roman priest. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Father Valentine, realizing the injustice of the law, defied Claudius and continued to perform secret marriages for young lovers. When his defiance was discovered, Claudius ordered Father Valentine executed.
According to yet another story, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" while in prison. It is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl (his jailor's daughter?) who visited him during his imprisonment. Before his death, it is said that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression still used today.
Did you know that although February has long been associated with romance, the real history of St. Valentine's Day is unknown? Today’s Valentine’s Day celebration contain parts of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with a romantic holiday?
One legend contends that Valentine was a third-century Roman priest. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Father Valentine, realizing the injustice of the law, defied Claudius and continued to perform secret marriages for young lovers. When his defiance was discovered, Claudius ordered Father Valentine executed.
According to yet another story, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" while in prison. It is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl (his jailor's daughter?) who visited him during his imprisonment. Before his death, it is said that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression still used today.
The truth behind the Valentine legends is unknown, but it remains a popular holiday to share sentiment. You can share the fun of Valentine's Day with the children in your care by finding some craft ideas and fun thing to do at some of my favorite online resources:
- Valentines Day coloring pages.
- Kids Domain and valentines cards to color
- DLTK’s Crafts
- Enchanted Learning
- KinderArt
- Child Fun Family Website
- Kids Turn Central
- Home School Zone
- Apples4theTeacher
- ABC Teach
- Amazing Moms
- Family Fun
- And more links at About.com
// posted by Tammy Wachter @ 3:55 PM 
