Let’s talk about the origin of Valentine’s Day! One of my favorite ways to make geography and history relevant is to explore the origin stories of holidays and their traditions.
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Valentine was a priest who lived in Ancient Rome in the 3rd century. Legend has it that he secretly and illegally conducted Christian marriage ceremonies. When he attempted to convert the Roman Emperor, Claudius II, he was sentenced to death. He signed a letter to a girl from prison, “your Valentine” and this how he became the patron saint of love. Another miracle involving the healing of a blind man’s sight has made him also the patron saint of sight.
Origin of Valentine’s Day Booklist
“Saint Valentine” by Robert Sabuda
Read it for free on archive.org
This story is illustrated in beautiful mosaics to resemble the art of Ancient Rome. This book tells the story of Saint Valentine’s healing of a blind girl and his martyrdom.
“Saint Valentine” by Ann Tompert
Read it for free on archive.org
Ann Tompert gives even more detail about what little is known of Saint Valentine’s life, complete with author’s historical note at the end. This book does a nice job weaving together the various legends of Saint Valentine.
“The Legend of the Valentine” by Katherine Grace Bond
Read it for free on archive.org
This is a beautiful story set during the Civil Rights movement in the US. The main character, Marcus, is able to overcome a difficult classroom situation with the wisdom of his grandmother and example of Saint Valentine. The story also touches upon the history of Saint Valentine.
“The Story of Valentine’s Day” by Nancy J. Skarmeas
Read it for free on archive.org
I bought this board book when my kids were small for a simple biography of the life of Saint Valentine. It presents the history as well as the modern-day celebrations resulting from his life.
Hobbit Valentines
I made Valentines for the kids last year that were Tolkien themed, for our Lord of the Rings Family Fun Theme. Grab them below!