Here's a bit of St. Valentine lore (from Amanda Beth's blog), and I found it fascinating and sweet. :)
One popular legend is that Valentine was a priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century. The emperor of the time, Claudius II, theorized that single men, who were not attached to a wife or family would serve better in war, because they would not be concerned about living simply to return to their families...so, he outlawed marriage for young men. But it is said that Valentine still performed marriage ceremonies for the young men in secret, and when Claudius discovered this, he ordered that Valentine be killed.
Another legend says that Valentine was a Christian and was persecuted; being interrogated by Claudius II himself. Claudius formed a liking for Valentine, and attempted to convert him to Roman paganism so that he would be allowed to live. Valentine would not convert and, instead, tried to convert the emperor to Christianity. This did not go over well, and he was sent away to be executed.
There is an ending to these legends that seems pretty much the same for both. That is, when Valentine was imprisoned, he befriended the blind daughter of the jailer. It is said that, by a miracle of God through Valentine, the girl was healed, and her sight was restored to her...and on the evening before Valentine was executed, he wrote her a letter (that she was now able to read) which he signed, "From your Valentine".
Which leads me to the reason for this post, which is that Christa Taylor is having free shipping for the rest of this week!
One popular legend is that Valentine was a priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century. The emperor of the time, Claudius II, theorized that single men, who were not attached to a wife or family would serve better in war, because they would not be concerned about living simply to return to their families...so, he outlawed marriage for young men. But it is said that Valentine still performed marriage ceremonies for the young men in secret, and when Claudius discovered this, he ordered that Valentine be killed.
Another legend says that Valentine was a Christian and was persecuted; being interrogated by Claudius II himself. Claudius formed a liking for Valentine, and attempted to convert him to Roman paganism so that he would be allowed to live. Valentine would not convert and, instead, tried to convert the emperor to Christianity. This did not go over well, and he was sent away to be executed.
There is an ending to these legends that seems pretty much the same for both. That is, when Valentine was imprisoned, he befriended the blind daughter of the jailer. It is said that, by a miracle of God through Valentine, the girl was healed, and her sight was restored to her...and on the evening before Valentine was executed, he wrote her a letter (that she was now able to read) which he signed, "From your Valentine".
Which leads me to the reason for this post, which is that Christa Taylor is having free shipping for the rest of this week!
