Not everyone knows the ancient legends which lay behind St. Valentine's day.
I'd like to tell you my favourite one: Valentine was a bishop in Italy and he was used to help lovers who could't be married because of the social rules of the time.
The legend tells the story of Serapia, a christian girl who was in love with Sabino, a soldier of the Roman Empire. Their love was prevented because christians were persecuted and then a soldier couldn't marry one of them. But Sabino was so in love with Serapia that he didn't care about the rules. He asked Valentino a help and the bishop consented to marry them in secret. Waiting for the wedding unfortunately Serapia fell ill and she got worse day by day. All the things seemed against this union, but their true love was destined to triumph, even if in an unexpected way. Despite the fact Serapia was close to death, Sabino wanted to bless their love and Bishop Valentino joyned them together. Just after they had pronounced their promises, the two lovers fell asleep in a mortal hug...they finally managed to stay together forever!!!
Bishop Valentine was martyred in 270 d.C. for the guilt of having sealed their love.
This tragic love story reminds me others like Romeo and Juliet, a book that I love, and also all the venetian legends which are represented in the columns of San Marco's Square!!!
I took this picture for you!!!
