Contrary to the idea that Valentine's is a day only for Lover's and Romance or a scam created by the card companies and commercialism...here is the legend....

 

The Legend of Saint Valentine

                                                             

The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr. The emperor was Claudius II Gothicus. The Christian was Valentinus.

 

Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship state religion's idols, and he had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ, and not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs.

 

During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable thing happened. One day a jailer for the Emperor of Rome knocked at Valentinus's door clutching his blind daughter in his arms. He had learned of Valentinus's medical and spiritual healing abilities, and appealed to Valentinus to treat his daughter's blindness. She had been blind since birth. Valentinus knew that her condition would be difficult to treat but he gave the man his word he would do his best. The little girl was examined, given an ointment for her eyes and a series of re-visits were scheduled.

 

Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might also be brought to Valentinus for lessons. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about GOD. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

 

"Valentinus, does GOD really hear our prayers?" Julia said one day. "Yes, my child, He hears each one, "he replied.

 

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

 

"GOD does what is best for us if we will believe in HIM," Valentinus said.

 

"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe," Julia said intensely. "I do." She knelt and grasped his hand. They sat quietly together, each praying.

 

Several weeks passed and the girl's sight was not restored. Yet the man and his daughter never wavered in their faith and returned each week.

 

Then one day, Valentinus received a visit from Roman soldiers who arrested him, destroyed his medicines and admonished him for his religious beliefs. When the little girl's father learned of his arrest and imprisonment, he wanted to intervene but there was nothing he could do.

 

On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia - knowing his execution was imminent. Valentinus asked the jailer for a paper, pen and ink. He quickly jotted a farewell note and handed it to the jailer to give to his blind daughter. He urged her to stay close to GOD, and he signed it "From Your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.

 

When the jailer went home, he was greeted by his little girl. The little girl opened the note and discovered a yellow crocus inside. The message said, "From your Valentine." As the little girl looked down upon the crocus that spilled into her palm she saw brilliant colors for the first time in her life! The girl's eyesight was restored! A miracle!

 

 

He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. In 496 Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as Saint Valentine's Day. On each Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are still exchanged around the world.

 

SO...there is a history and a valid reson for the holiday.  Now, I don't know if the miracle part truely happened..but the facts of the Emperor and Martyr, his execution, that he sent a note, and the declaration of the day of remembrance are all true.

 

BUT...over time it has been turned into the "Lover's" holiday, and commercialized on, and expectations built about proving love with gifts and dinners and all the hooha!  Which is really to bad...

 

A day to express affection and love.  Caring for our fellow human beings.  In a society that is so quick to condemn, cut down, insult, ignore, hate, be cynical, suspicious, and hurtful...would't it be amazing if for one day...we could all try to be nicer..give the other person the benefit of the doubt, do something nice for a stranger, give a friend a hug for no reason...give a smile instead of just shutting ourselves away in our little defensive selves.

 

*smiles*  Well..I think it would be wonderful!!  LOL  I don't know how it turned into the day it is today...of candy, cards, gifts, romance...only a day celebrated by couples...What do you all think?  How did that happen?  How do you celebrate?  Thinking about the true intent of the day...would  you maybe celebrate differently?

Not sure I would celebrate differently.  The message was affection, love and devotion...all important attributes for any lasting relationship.  That probably has a bit to do with the trend towards "Lovers" holiday.  I think that the real crime is that it has even more so become a day dedicated to men doing special for women....how sexist  ::)

 

Either way, my wife and I try to keep it simple. 

Thankyou for posting and sharing that Twinnie. :)

 

I hadn't ever heard the story before...

I hadn't heard the whole story in a long time, thanks Twin. I don't know as I'd celebrate any differently. It doesn't matter what kind of relationship it is, whether it's friends or partners or family... it's just about letting the people close to you know that you care. :)

:D  See, I tend to agree..but in a discussion of Valentine's Day in another Org..I was surprised at the jaded and cynical perspective that was held..by male and female!

 

Admittedly...the card, candy and jewlry people really push the commercialism of the holiday! And..well actually...it does aleinate those that are single or unattached in some ways...when they don't get flowers at work or have the romantic date or are alone for the day...but that's my point...getting out of that couples or lover's perspective only...carries the message as it origianlly started!

 

*little laugh*  I am or was as susceptalbe to that mentality as any though..before I married Bill.  My husband isn't a gift giver or holiday person at all...and when we got engaged..it was Christmas..so for our first Valentine's Day together..oh I was so excited at being part of a couple and all that went with it!  BUT..I was going to school in Nebraska and he lived in Oklahoma.  I watched people getting bouquets all day and never got a flower or a card!  Well..i was disappointed..but was going down to Oklahoma that weekend and assured myself he was just waiting till then...

 

Oh the folly of new love!!  *laughs*  I walked in the house..and on the table was a wilted, days old, really pathetic dozen roses in a quart jar.  No baby's breath, no nothing..but these sad flowers, losing thier petals in the jar.  I had given him a gift bag..with a tshirt, favorite candy and a cake mix(which I baked that weekend)..

 

Anyway..I told him thank you and how wonderful..and all that, but inside just felt terrible!!!  A couple weeks later, we actually talked about it..and he had no idea how dashed my expectations had been!!  LOL  He thought that getting flowers at all was ok..didn't matter what!  But I learned my lesson from all this too...Bill always after bought me a dozen fresh roses for Valentine's Day and for anniversaries..not because he thought of it..but because he thought it was expected. 

 

I think of that when I listen to the folks that were being cynical about the expectations of Valentine's day..and yes..a gift because it's expected isn't the same as a gift of the heart!  LOL..my husband and I are past that thank goodness!  I don't get roses every year!  But he always brings something that he thinks will make me smile and let me know I am in his thoughts and heart!  That's what it is really about!

Thanks for sharing that story twinnie.

 

I for one love valentines. I do not like the commercialism around it...but the idea behind it. I guess i'm just a romantic ;D

 

*gives all the kinsters flowers*

I've never heard that story before Twinnie. I loved it! Ive never done anything really for valentines.  Every holiday though my mom puts candy and cards on the kitchen table

*grins*  I am a holiday nut..love them all!!  LOL!  and I got that from my mom..*smiles*  She always celebrated...not always big and fancy, but took the time to bake cookies..or do the cards or something to acknowledge the day!!

 

Since this is called "Love Talk"  lets talk love.*giggles*  Seriously now...

 

What is it?  What is good love..in terms of a relationship?

Ummm...that is a hard one to answer. only because it is hard to describe. i'll try...

 

I think love in a relationship consists of trust, kindness, companionship. Being each others best friends I think is a big thing. Sadly i have never had a strong love relationship...but I'd like these things in any of my future relationships. *nods*

through in forgivness and humor too!  Both are pretty important!

 

LOL..if you can laugh at each other and with each other..especially when you are angry and being stupid...is a great doorway to moving  forward!

Very true. AN open communication is always good fodder for a great relationship. *nods

 

I thought of something right now..Trust...you really need to have trust in any relationship.

the kind that if you say something that person will trust your words and intentions. *nods* 

That reminds me of an interesting story.  I was being set up on a sort of blind date.  Although, we were going to be introduced at a group event.  Well, I actually didn't know it at the time...lol.  Anywhoo, I was picking on my cousin who is about 5 years older than me.  I made a comment about his attention span....comparing it to a child with ADHD.  Found out about 2 seconds later, that she (Date) had 2 children, both with ADHD.... :o :o

 

Somehow or another she still went out with me...lol.  It didn't last, but it was fun while it did.

*grins*

 

You know..the whole dating thing..which I am really glad I am not in, thank you very much...tends to always find us with our foot in our mouth's at some point!  LOL..that's where you learn alot about humor!! 

 

and respect.  *thoughtful look*  And respect is a fickle thing..it can ebb and flow within a relationship.  Especially in the long term as we change...at some point you can lose respect of a part of your partner..and at the same come to a whole new understanding of them!

 

Let me toss this into the mix..cause this just bugs the crap out of me!!  This whole issue of having to EARN..trust, respect, forgiveness etc.  I just don't agree with that idea.  Those things need to be freely given...and if for any reason they they come into question or slip or are lost...I don't believe in this making someone earn it back!  These aren't commodities to trade and sell...At the same time..when you are given love, respect, trust...you cherish it, nurture it and protect it! From both sides!

 

That's just my opinion..what of the rest of you?  Where do you weigh in on the "earned"  or "given" elements of the relationship?

I, for one, am a big believer in flirting! I try everyday to say something or do soemthing for my husband that reminds him that after 7 years and 2 children, I still love and desire him. No, it may not be a huge production. One day it's a lipstick "I Love You" on the bathroom mirror, tomorrow it's just a kiss on the neck when he isn't expecting it. If Twin let's me, I'll tell you all the text message story of an attempt gone wrong!!!

 

But like George Strait said, love's not something that we're in, it's something that we do! Love requires effort!

ROFL..oh yes this group will love that story...maybe at the Knitting circle though....*Grins*

 

and love does take effort!  Some days even work!  I know that can be a big shock to some folks..but once they learn that..usually thier relationships grow, and bloom!

Yes yes....must hear the story....again.   ;D

 

And I give trust freely, until it is broken.  Then I do not give it back easily.

Ok, ok, I'll tell the story today. A little Valentine's humor. It'll be in the knitting circle later!

I have a hard time trusting...past crap. But i hope that i am better and with my next relationship..when ever that is...i hope to trust easily. *nods*

 

*goes to see if Stefs story is up yet*

HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY KINSTERS!!!!!!

 

*bounces around hugging, giving everyone daisy's and tossing edible chocolate confetti!*

 

I hope you have all had a good day..and in case ANY of you are in doubt about it..

 

YOU ARE LOVED!!!!

 

~Twinnie

:o Twinnie, who would dare doubt your love??

 

*Looks around inquisitively*

*laughs and hugs Sam*

 

Well..hopefully nobody!!  But it never hurts to remind people that you do love them and care about them..*nods*

*Returns the hug, sweeps her up, and spins her around*  ;D

*giggles at being twirled and feels loved too*

 

Thanks Sam!!!

 

*grins*  and folks..this is really love talkin'!!!  Shared laughter, exchanging thoughts, feelings and opinions, and listening to each other!!  Don't you wish the whole world had what we find in the Kin?