Every February 14, Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, chocolates, or cards to loved ones. Yet, many of us have never stopped to wonder about the true origins of the day. Historians agree that February has long been a month to celebrate love. Some believe the origins of Valentine’s Day come from the celebration of Lupercalia. During the 3rd Century Romans celebrated Lupercalia on February 14 in honor of Juno, the Queen of Love and Marriage. It is also a commonly accepted theory that Valentine’s Day grew out of a Middle Ages tradition. During the time, people celebrated February 14 in honor of the start of the bird mating season.
However, the most popular theory of how Valentine’s Day came to be is from a story of a priest named Valentine. He lived in Rome during the third century under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers than married men, and thus decided to outlaw marriage to establish a superior military. Valentine disagreed with Claudius and married couples in secret. Legend states that Valentine was soon caught and executed by Claudius. Some believe that his execution was on February 14.
Other legends continue that while incarcerated, Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him regularly during his confinement. The girl was believed to be the jailer’s daughter. Just before he died, he left a farewell note for his loved one and signed it "From Your Valentine.”
Perhaps the true origins of the day will always be debated, but it can be concluded that Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and compassion. In the spirit of the day, SOS Children’s Villages announced the release of their Valentine's Day Gift Catalog which provides donors with a unique way of supporting their mission of providing loving homes for orphaned and abandoned children. The catalog offers an opportunity to make a donation to SOS children in honor of a valentine in categories such as Love & Security and Education.
The Gift Catalog also provides contributors with the option of donating to the SOS global village community. For $12 per month, contributors become a Global Village Builder. A Global Village Builder funds the development of homes and also contributes to long-term projects in SOS communities all over the world. Those who choose to contribute to this program receive personal letters from SOS Mothers and field reports from SOS workers. Patrons also have the option to visit an SOS Village to see the impact of their contribution.
About SOS Children’s Villages
For 60 years, SOS Children's Villages has been providing family-based care for children without parental care and social services for families at risk. Through their Children’s Villages, Family Strengthening Programs, and other initiatives, SOS impacts the lives of over 1 million people each year.
However, the most popular theory of how Valentine’s Day came to be is from a story of a priest named Valentine. He lived in Rome during the third century under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers than married men, and thus decided to outlaw marriage to establish a superior military. Valentine disagreed with Claudius and married couples in secret. Legend states that Valentine was soon caught and executed by Claudius. Some believe that his execution was on February 14.
Other legends continue that while incarcerated, Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him regularly during his confinement. The girl was believed to be the jailer’s daughter. Just before he died, he left a farewell note for his loved one and signed it "From Your Valentine.”
Perhaps the true origins of the day will always be debated, but it can be concluded that Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and compassion. In the spirit of the day, SOS Children’s Villages announced the release of their Valentine's Day Gift Catalog which provides donors with a unique way of supporting their mission of providing loving homes for orphaned and abandoned children. The catalog offers an opportunity to make a donation to SOS children in honor of a valentine in categories such as Love & Security and Education.
The Gift Catalog also provides contributors with the option of donating to the SOS global village community. For $12 per month, contributors become a Global Village Builder. A Global Village Builder funds the development of homes and also contributes to long-term projects in SOS communities all over the world. Those who choose to contribute to this program receive personal letters from SOS Mothers and field reports from SOS workers. Patrons also have the option to visit an SOS Village to see the impact of their contribution.
For 60 years, SOS Children's Villages has been providing family-based care for children without parental care and social services for families at risk. Through their Children’s Villages, Family Strengthening Programs, and other initiatives, SOS impacts the lives of over 1 million people each year.
There are many ways to help accomplish the mission of SOS Children’s Villages. Sponsor a child or village from practically anywhere in the world or make a donation towards a bright future for a child in need.
Want to learn more? Sign up for the SOS eNewsletter to receive more information of the continuing effort to make sure every child gets the love they deserve.
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