What are YOU doing for Valentine's Day?

-

http://www.pictureframes.co.uk/pages/saint_valentine.htm


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.

Last year at this time, I wasn't really interested in Valentine's Day, or in celebrating it. This year, things seem to be going a bit better and since Marc and I haven't been out alone in a long time, I thought maybe...

... to be continued.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sectes

-
Image
Il y a peut-être un an de cela, une amie m'a dit qu'elle avait entendu dire certains gens traiter Marie-Jeunesse de secte. Mon mari ne connait pas Marie-Jeunesse, mais il est convaincu qu'Opus Dei est un secte et le livre "Le code DaVinci" n'a fait, bien sur, qu'affirmer ses croyances. Pourquoi est-ce que quand un groupe suit le Vatican et ses enseignements et encourage les autres à le faire aussi, même des personnes à l'intérieur de l'Église le traitent de secte?! La suite logique à cela serait de dire que le Vatican lui-même est un secte! Alors ces gens-là pensent quoi? Qu'ils ont la vérité et que c'est le Vatican qui en a dévié? Qu'ils sont les vrais catholiques, alors que le Vatican n'a pas de bons sens? Il y a presque 15 ans j'ai fait partie de Marie-Jeunesse, avant que ce groupe ne devienne communauté religieuse. Laissez-moi vous dire que Marie-Jeunesse n'a rien d'un secte. Libre à vous d'y aller ou d'y par
Read more

Crashing into Thin Air - Excerpt From Chapter Seven

-
She was deep into a website project on her laptop when Christian came home later.  She saved her work and closed the laptop. “So?”  She asked, as he sat across the table.  “How was it?” He eyed her.  “You enjoy talking about yourself?” He asked. Joanne nodded. “To a stranger?” Joanne shrugged, “Sometimes that’s easier.”  She said.  “Strangers don’t judge.  They don’t really care.  They aren’t personally involved.” “So you’ve done this before?  Talked to a psychiatrist about your problems?” “Uh, no.  Not really.” Christian shook his head.  “So how can you know you’d like it?  What do you think it’s like, having to go through unpleasant memories that you’d rather forget?  It’s not much fun!” “Sorry.” Joanne replied. “So if you enjoy talking about yourself so much, why don’t you tell me what you were going to tell me this morning?” “You’re not a stranger.” Joanne reminded him.  “That makes things more complicated.  Which doesn’t mean I won’t tell you anything.” She
Read more

Problems in Bolivia

-
Now this is what I am talking about. This is what people are fleeing away from, this is why the US has so many illegal immigrants, this is why people have a love-hate relationship with the US, what is the US going to do about it? (From the SOA Watch :) We are writing with grave concern about an emerging conflict in South America´s poorest nation, Bolivia and we need you to take immediate action. Bolivia is facing a critical moment in which the survival of a new era of hope is gravely threatened. After suffering decades of military dictatorships followed by years of economic dictatorship, Bolivia heralded in a new moment of dignity with the election of its first indigenous president, Evo Morales. However, just one month after a recall referendum gave Morales 67% of the vote, Bolivia's secessionist movement has unleashed unprecedented violence throughout the country. After three days of riots, 8 people have died, several government institutions have been destroyed and Bolivia´s gas
Read more