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Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas, Founded 1897 BENEVOLENCE
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76501 VOLUME 62 — NO. 6 FEBRUARY 6, 1974
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK THAT PROBLEM
MY VALENTINE
When you have a problem. don't worry, think! It may not solve it quick as a wink, But it may help you take life in its stride. What shall you think about, the "whens" and "why"? And soon you may see by some method near. That having faith within yourself, will truthfully answer your problem, clear.
She is like a picture fair. Of loving beauty so rare, A smile very dear and sweet, Covers her face each time we meet, true, And sparkling eyes sincere and Which are of soft clear blue, Her hands 'are gentle, yet firm, As I caress and clasp in mine, No word of wrath ever does she speak. Only kindness soft and meek, Tho simple is her dress, 'Tis the way I love her best, She is "my valentine," and shall always be, My beloved, so precious, so dear to me.
In this issue are the excerpts of the January quarterly SL meeting. Please read them for your information. * • There is also information about the Texas Constitutional Convention and you are advised to please read it and do your share in forming a good Texas Constitution in 1974 Will you be my Valentine? The origin of this request and the custom associated with the exchange of tender greetings on February 14, is not clearly traceable. 2000 years ago St. Valentine's Day was celebrated in ancient Rome, honoring a young priest of that name who was imprisoned on February 14, A.D. 2'70, and later beheaded by order of the emperor because of Valentine's great love and
protec-
tion of the persecuted. At the festival of the pagan god Pan, the names of young men and women were placed in an urn and drawn out in pairs. The couples thus chosen were obliged to exchange presents and remain true to one another for a full year. Many permanent unions were accomplished. With the coming of Christianity the drawing of names from a love urn was looked upon with disfavor by the high priests. An attempt was made to change the meaning of the day by substituting the names of saints and 'martyrs of the new religion rather than the selection of young men
—Beatrice B. Barron and women. St. Valentine's name was one of the most popular, the imagination of the young being inflamed by this loved saint. During St. Valentine's imprisonment he was said to have formed a friendship with the jailor's blind daughter. When he was taken away to be executed he left a note for her signed. "From your Valentine." The use of the urn waned and in its place there arose the custom of choosing "Valentines" at the celebration on February 14.