Write On
By sister alies
You probably know some of the history of Valentine’s Day that we celebrate today (it is also Ash Wednesday this year and the beginning of Lent) but just in case you don’t here’s a little of the legend.
It seems to go back to the reign of Claudius II, who for one reason or another, was quite happy to go to war. However, he was having a difficult time forming an army because the men didn’t want to leave their wives. So he cancelled engagements and marriages in Rome. The people knew better and so they consulted their priests. One was Fr. Valentine and he married them secretly…until Claudius found out. He was furious and had him beaten and put to death February 14, 270.
Another part of the legend included the thought that it was the beginning of the birds mating season.
The third part included the Roman holiday of Lupercalia, lasting two days, where the boys and girls, previously kept very separate, drew names and celebrated the holiday. It was said, that over the next year some fell in love and got married.
Who knows for sure, but Fr. Valentine, a Christian martyr, is the most likely. I do hope y’all have a sweet and beautiful day filled with love and random acts of kindness. Everyday can be a day of love if we are willing to reach out and receive, put our hands out and give. Here’s a little story:
(author unknown)
“An old man got on a bus one Feb 14 carrying a dozen red roses. He sat beside a young man. The young man looked at the roses and said, 'Somebody's going to get a beautiful Valentines' Day gift.'
'Yes', said the old man.
A few minutes went by and the old man noticed that his young companion was staring at the roses. 'Do you have a girlfriend?' the old man asked.
'I do' said the young man. 'I'm going to see her now. I'm taking her this.' He held up a Valentine's Day card.
They rode in silence for another ten minutes, and the old man rose to get off the bus. As he stepped into the aisle, he suddenly placed the roses on the young man's lap and said, 'I think my wife would want you to have these. I'll tell her that I gave them to you.'
He left the bus quickly, and as the bus pulled away, the young man turned to see the old man enter the gates of the cemetery.”
BLESSINGS.
