Have you ever wondered why lovers and soulmates around the world give each other Valentine cards on February 14th?

Valentine's Day-- The Legend

My mother's name is Valentene and it was fitting that with Valentine's Day just around the corner that she would hand me a card that she had stuffed in a drawer with the legend of Valentine's Day written inside.  Although there are several legends as well as three different men named "Valentinus" for whom Valentine's Day could have been named, the following legend I offer for its message of faith and spiritual illumination.

In third Century and under Roman rule lived a Christian by the name of Valentinus,who was dedicated to the ideals of Christ.. The emperor of Rome at the time, Claudius II, had ordered all Romans to worship the Roman Gods and persecuted Christians for their faith--a crime punishable by death. So it was for Valentinus that he was arrested and imprisoned.

During the last weeks of Valentinus' life, the jailer asked him if he might teach his daughter, recognizing Valentinus to be an educated man.   The jailer's daughter, Julia, had been blind since birth, a limitation that Valentinus' heart could not bare, With his teachings, he instilled her with faith that God could heal her. They prayed together and one evening a great light entered the jail cell and Julia's eyes could see.

On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, expressing his love and devotion and asking her to stay close to God. He signed it "From Your Valentine."   Valentinus was executed on February 14, 270 AD near a gate that was named Portini Valentini in his name.   It is said that Julia had planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave.   The symbol of the almond tree has long represented abiding love and friendship.  

And so it is that on Valentine's Day we give messages of love and affection to our beloved and to our beloved friends.  

Why give red roses to your Valentine?

Red roses proclaim "I love you." They are the ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion.

Follow this link to read more about the gift of roses>>

Happy Valentine's Day to Soulmates everywhere,

Ariadne Green

©2006 Ariadne Green Palm Leaf Press