A long time ago in the Roman Empire (in Rome, Italy) there was a man named Valentine who was a bishop in the Catholic Church. At this time, the emperor of Rome did not like Christians living in his empire. When the emperor found out that Valentine was a Christian, he made Valentine answer some questions. The emperor listened to what Valentine had to say about his religion and started to agree with Valentine. But the emperor’s friends told him not to listen to Valentine and to put him in jail. So, Valentine went to jail.
While he was in jail, Valentine would secretly let other Christians get married. Another time, Valentine cured the daughter of the man who ran the jail where Valentine was. The daughter of the man was blind, but then Valentine let her see again. After she could see, Valentine wrote his new friend a letter that said, “from your Valentine.”
Remember that Valentine went to jail because he was a Christian. After spending some time in jail and on the date of February 14, the Roman Emperor’s men killed Valentine.
After Valentine died, people started to celebrate and remember him on February 14. After many years, more people around the world started to send their family and friends cards that would say “love your Valentine” or “from your Valentine.” Your mom and dad may also go out to dinner or buy flowers, chocolates and other presents. This is why you may give your friends or mom and dad a card on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is a fun day with family and friends and reminds us that we are loved and that we love others. But don’t forget that it is named for a man who lived a long time ago named Valentine. He also loved many people in Rome and was loved by many people there.
Valentine’s Day Poem
Valentines of pink and red
Special words of kindness said.
Small surprises, funny jokes,
Paper hearts and pretty notes.
The best part of this Valentine’s Day,
Is that I get the chance to say,
Today and for the whole year, too,
I love having a friend like you!