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"That Day"
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Saint Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day, Feast of Saint
Valentine; whatever you call it - we celebrate it every
February 14th. It is celebrated around the world and in most countries
- it is not a holiday.
The holiday began as a liturgical celebration for early Christian
saints named Valentinus. Many stories surround this holiday. One of the
stories is: A Saint Valentine of Rome was thrown into prison for
performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and his
aid to Christians that the Roman Empire persecuted.
While he was in prison - he healed a jailer's daughter - Asterias. It
is supposed to be a truism, that before his execution, he wrote the
newly healed Asterias a letter and signed it "Your Valentine" as his
farewell.
In the Anglican community - February 14th - is an official feast day.
In Brazil - the "Dia de Sao Valentim" is June 12th. It was first
associated with love in Geoffrey Chaucer circles in the middle ages
..where the tradition of "courtly love" was alive and well. In Europe -
St. Valentine's Keys are given to lovers as a romantic symbol and an
invitation to unlock the giver's heart.
Saint Valentine supposedly wore an amethyst ring - amethyst being
believed to attract love. Christian bishops wore the ring and soldiers
would ask him to perform marriage.
In Norfolk, England - a character called Jack Valentine, knocked on the
rear doors of homes leaving sweet treats and presents for the kiddies.
In Slovenia, England - Saint Valentine or Zdravko - was a saint of
spring - the saint of good health and the patron saint of beekeepers -
another "sweet treat." In some countries - Saint Valentine's Day is the
first day of spring.
I was texting a young reader while writing this column. She is young (I
know I said that already), not much money, in love, etc. She wanted
advice on what to buy the beau. We agreed that how much you love - how
true your love is - or how long your love would/should/could last does
not and should not be about how much money you spend - cash, credit
cards, etc. I will leave you with this poem:
The rose is red, the violet's blue,
The honey's sweet and so are you.
Thou art my love and I am thine;
I drew thee to my Valentine:
The lot was cast and then I drew,
And Fortune said it shou'd be you.
English Nursery Rhymes
Gammer Gurten's Garland (1784)
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!
Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the
furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next
time. Ever Toodles!! MONA
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