The Dutch Burgher Union
114, Reid Avenue, Colombo 4.
Telephone Nos: 2584511, 5331661
Newsletter - February 2007 President's message
IMPORTANT NOTICE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 2007
will be held on FRIDAY, 30th MARCH 2007 AT 6.30 p.m.
Fellowship will follow soon after the meeting in the down-stair Hall.
Dear Member,
Capture the romance of "Hearts on Fire" as we celebrate St. Valentine's Day. It is an universal day of love celebrated all over the world.
The 14th February is St. Valentine's Day, and started in the days of the Roman Empire. It was a holiday in those times to honour Juno, who was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses, and the Goddess of women and marriage. Later on, the church looked for a suitable patron Saint of love and found. St. Valentine, who had been be-headed by Emperor Claudius in AD 270. Claudius had determined that married men made poor soldiers so he banned marriage from his empire but Valentine would secretly marry young men that came to him. When Claudius found out about Valentine, he first tried to convert him to paganism. But Valentine reversed the strategy, trying instead to convert Claudius. When he failed, he was stoned and beheaded. Before he died, signed a farewell message to his wife, "From your Valentine". This was the beginning of the tradition - to give the one they loved a handwritten message of affection using the Valentines name.
The first Valentines card was sent in 1415, by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Cupid, another symbol of the day, became associated with it because he was the son of Venus, the Roman God of Love and Beauty. Today too, St. Valentine is acknowledged as the Patron Saint of Lovers, who exchange cards and gifts on this day.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 14th February 2007 at 8.30 p.m.
Kem Martenstyn
President
