The history of Valentine's Day--and the story of its patron saint--is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Valentine's Day Love Poem
How Do I Love Thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being an ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,--I love thee with the Breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Elizabeth Barret Browning
However you spend your Valentine's Day, I hope you enjoy it.~~~ Casea Major
Major Love ~~~ Major Romance
Prior to becoming a writer of romantic fiction, Casea Major
worked in the legal field for a non-profit dispute resolution company for ten
years. She is now a full-time mom to
three preschool children with whom she and her husband live happily...most of
the time. When she isn't chained to her
laptop, she enjoys Cary Grant movies and crocheting.
7 comments:
I've learned a little bit more about Valentines day.
Thank you for posting. :)
Janice~
I had no clue about this. A majorly cool post. I majorly loved it, hehehehe.
Happy Valentine's Day, Casea Major!
Was there a post past the picture? *unglues tongue from roof of mouth*
I enjoyed the poem - made me smile.
Janice - It's always good to learn something new
Brendan - I thought you knew everything. Now who am I gonna ask?
Sheri - There was no post past the picture. That box of chocolate looks good, doesn't it?
Hey, very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Nice to hear about the legend behind the holiday. Great post!
Post a Comment