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| The St. Valentine legend is described as a priest or bishop who lived in the third century after Christ. According to one legend, he was a Roman priest with a special feeling for young people. When the Roman Empire needed soldiers, Emperor Claudius II decreed that no one could marry or become engaged. Valentine defied the Emperor's decree and secretly married a number of young couples. He was arrested, prisoned, and put to death. Another legend tells of a Valentine who was seized for helping Christians who were being persecuted by Claudius II. This Valentine took a liking to the jailor's blind daughter, and by a miracle, restored her sight. The morning of his execution, he is said to have sent her a farewell message signed, "From your Valentine." He was beheaded on February 14th, and legend has it that when he was buried, a pink almond tree near his grave burst into bloom as a symbol of lasting love Another legend has it that people in England believed that birds picked thier mates on February 14th. And so the people chose this day to send messages of love to one another. |
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| Flowers and What They Stand For Rose - love Pansy - thinking of you Lily of the Valley - return of happiness Magnolia - love of nature Hollyhock - ambition Daisy - innocence Nasturtium - patriotism Hibiscus - delicate beauty Honeysuckle - generous and devoted affection Lilac (white) - youthful innocence Lilac (purple) - first emotions of love Violet - faithfulness Zinnia - thought of an absent friend |
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| Make Your Own Valentine (A kid's project) Materials: -Construction paper -Crayons -Newspaper -Saucer -Scissors -Sponge (small) -Tempera paint 1. Fold a sheet of construction paper in half. Open the paper and draw a heart. Draw it so the fold in the paper runs through the middle of the heart. Fold the paper in half, with the heart on the outside. Cut out the heart. Now you have a stencil heart and a solid heart. 2. Cover your work table with newspaper. Stir the paint and pour a little into a saucer. Place the stencil heart over another sheet of construction paper. Dip the sponge into the paint. Hold the stencil in place with one hand while you dab the sponge lightly over the stencil heart. 3. Place the solid heart near the heart you have just printed. Use a crayon to trace around it. Write a note inside the heart you traced. Now you have a valentine to give to a friend or a loved one. =) |
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| *.Gif courtesy of Animation Factory* |