St. Valentine was born in Italy. He was martyred by a man named Claudius for helping a Christian couple. His back story is hard to trace, since there are about a dozen Saint Valentines. The most recent Valentine goes by the name of St. Valentine Berrio-Ochoa. He’s a Spaniard of the Dominican order who traveled to Vietnam, served as bishop, and was beheaded in 1861, for association of an undisclosed Christian couple.
St. Valentine is the patron Saint of beekeepers, epilepsy and engaged couples/happy marriages. He is usually pictured in red clothing and holding a palm branch. They are both symbols of martyrdom. Other times he carries a small cross or book representing the Christian faith. Lovebirds are sometimes portrayed next to him, or healing the sight of a jailer’s blind daughter.
The mythical creature Cupid is usually depicted as Valentine. In fact, he is not Cupid. Cupid’s roots trace back to Roman and Greek mythology. While St. Valentine originates from Italy. Cupid is involved with the Greek gods. Where Valentine only has one God which is Jesus Christ.
He became venerated as a Saint on February, 14.
Fun facts:
- St. Valentine may have been more than two men.
- In total there have been a dozen St. Valentines including a pope.
- Not only is he the patron saint of love, he is a patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy.
- The skull of the original Valentine, lies in Rome.
- Geoffrey Chaucer may have been the actual inventor of Valentine’s Day.
- Apparently Valentines can be celebrated many times a year.
Valentines inspired Rice Krispie treat-
You will need the following:
- 5 tablespoons of salted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
- 6 cups of mini marshmallows
- 6 cups of Rice Krispie cereal
- 10 ounces Valentines M&M’s
- ¼ cups of Valentine sprinkles
Instructions:
- Grease baking pan with cooking spray
- Melt butter in large saucepan on medium heat
- Add marshmallows and stir till completely melted
- Remove mixture from heat and partially stir in the Rice Krispies
- Stir in valentines M&Ms
- Spread the treats mixture onto a pan
- Immediately sprinkle the sprinkles
- Cut heart shaped Rice Krispie treats with heart shaped cookie cutter
That’s it! Enjoy!
