Edna Barth has a long and respected history of demystifying occasions in Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs: The Story of the St. Helpful supplemental material-a list of stories and poems for Valentine's Day, a bibliography, and index-will help young researchers as well. "Enter Cupid" is a chapter tracing the symbolism and origins of the strange, heart-piercing, winged babies, and explanations of valentine symbols like flowers and hearts follow. In this lively and informative book, readers will read the first known valentine ever written (by Margery Brews in 1477), discover the golden age of English valentines, learn the difference between "rebus" and "puzzle purse" valentines, and more. On this evening, Roman youths drew the names of girls who would be their partners during the festival. February 14, when Valentine supposedly died, was the eve of an important Roman festival-Lupercalia. According to one legend, he was a Roman priest who agreed to secretly marry young couples when Emperor Claudius II decreed that no one could be married because he needed men to fight wars instead. Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day? And what do cupids and lace have to do with anything? February 14 is a lighthearted occasion with ancient origins.
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