Examining the history of Valentine's Day
Laura Stinchcomb
Valentine's Day has roots in several different legends down through the ages. One of the earliest and most popular symbols is Cupid, the Roman god of love, who is represented by the image of a young boy with a bow and arrow. Several theories or stories surround the history of the day.
Three-hundred years after the death of Jesus Christ, the Roman emperors still demanded that everyone believe in the Roman gods. Valentine was a Christian priest, who had been thrown in prison for his teachings. On Feb. 14, Valentine was beheaded, not only because he was a Christian, but also because he performed a miracle. He supposedly cured the jailer's daughter of her blindness. The night before he was executed he wrote the jailer's daughter a farewell letter signing it "From Your Valentine." Another legend tells us that this same Valentine, well-loved by all, received notes to his jail cell from children and friends who missed him.
Another Valentine was an Italian bishop, who lived about the same time. He was imprisoned because he secretly married couples contrary to the laws of the Roman emperor. Some legends say he was burned at the stake.
The ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, a spring festival, on the 15th of February, in honor of a goddess. Young men randomly chose the name of a young girl to escort to the festivities. With the introduction of Christianity, the holiday moved to the 14th of February. The Christians had come to celebrate Feb. 14 as the saint day that celebrated the several early Christian martyrs named Valentine.
Throughout the ages, people also believed that birds picked their mates Feb. 14.
Whatever the odd mixture of origins, it's a day for showing love to the ones you care about. One of our greatest tasks is how to give and receive love.
The love we are able to give is love we are able to keep and continue to grow.
"Whoever pursues godliness and unfailing love will find life, godliness and honor." Proverbs: 21:21
Don't forget Otterbein North Shore's Valentine's surf and turf Friday. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Chef Mel Rush will be preparing the special dinner, with harpist Karen Westgate providing entertainment for the evening. For more information, call 419-798-8354 and ask for JoAnn Franks.
Danbury District Library Book fair will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 23-27 in the district library. Books can also be purchased during the parent/teacher conferences from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23. The book fair has something for everyone, pre-kindergarten through adult.
Mark your calendars for no school Monday for President's Day.
Happy birthday: Lindsay Mark, Kathy Luebcke Radabaugh, Emily Dunfee, Susan Lucas, Steve Schaefer, Tim Hamann, Katie Sebastiano, Amy Addy Skolnik and Sarah Buckey Hamilton.
Prayers for the sick, sad, and lonely. Maybe do something for someone who least expects it, a neighbor, a shut in or someone in your life that you would like to pass along the Valentine's love with a giving spirit.
Special prayers for Kamille Allen.
"Love is the basic need of human nature, for without it, life is disrupted emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically." Karl Menninger
Send your story ideas and news items to Lakeside Laura at lakesidelaura@roadrunner.com
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