Most of us know the basics of Valentie's Day.
You know. Cupid, flowers, chocolates, a hot date with someone we love.
But did you know the founder of the holiday, St. Valentine, was something of a rebel? Or so the story goes.
There are actually a handful of origin stories for St. Valentine. Most of them involve imprisonment and eventual martyrdom. My favorite is that Valentine, the early Christian priest, performed illegal marriages, defying the emperor's direct orders. Claudius II, who ruled the Roman Empire from 688 to 670 AD was building an army and not just recruiting but engaging in impressment--the forcible drafting of young men to serve in the Roman military.
In order to prevent homesickness and longing for wives and children, Claudius forbade marriage among his troops. This law was particularly difficult for a small group of young men who had been taught that it was better for them to be married than to engage in unchaste behavior. The members of a fairly new sect practicing in secret in Rome--the Christians And since much of military life in those days involved an abundance of brothels and other temptations, they wished to be married.
So, Christian priest, Valentine, married them in the sight of God and the Church.
I like that story. It embodies all the good and noble aspects of both the holiday and of marriage. Love and loyalty and faith and sacrifice.
While, for some, Valentine's Day is just another day, for those in loving relationships, it's definitely a day to celebrate. Whether husband and wife, or a mother for her children, or that secret school crush, it's fun day to recognize...
Here at ArtisticChaosInk, we just happen to have a great coloring poster to help you get excited about love.
VALENTINE'S DAY COLORING POSTER
And if you're looking for something for the kids, take a look at these fun products on my other website, WildBluYonder:
Happy Valentine's Day!!
free hit counter