Valentine's Day
Long before St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers, a festival was held in ancient
Rome during February in honor of the great god Pan. The festival was called Lupercalia
and one of the customs was for the names of young men and women to be drawn in
lottery fashion to choose token sweethearts. During the third century, the Bishop
Valentine of Rome was martyred on the eve of the festival of Lupercalia. He was a man
noted for his goodness and chastity and eventually the day acquired his name. The
element of chance and the theme of love remain. Cards are often sent to declare a
person’s love. Flowers, red heart shapes, lace, doilies and birds are symbols of this
celebration. There is an old belief that birds also chose their mates on this day for spring
nesting. For children today, it is the element of surprise of a pretty card rather than
romantic notions that holds enjoyment of the day. This favorite day of the heart is
celebrated in the classrooms with small “parties” and the exchanging of Valentine cards.
Children are encouraged to make their own cards.