Valentine’s Day–Let’s Talk Heart To Heart.

The Origin of Valentine’s Day:

There are many theories about the origin of Saint Valentine’s Day, which is commonly known as Valentine’s Day.

Probably the most popular, is the belief that it commemorates the martyrdom, in the year 269 AD, of a Catholic priest, Valentine of Rome, who lived in the time of the Roman Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor’s rule was that his soldiers should stay single while serving in his army. Valentine defied that rule, by secretly marrying soldiers to their sweethearts and paid for his defiance with his life.

Some believe that it refers to, Lupercalia, an Ancient Roman Festival, observed February 13–15; an archaic rite connected to fertility.

Another theory has Valentine’s Day attributed to the famous English medieval writer Chaucer:
“The first recorded association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love is in Parlement de Foules (1382) by Geoffrey Chaucer.  Chaucer wrote:

“For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make”.

["For this was Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."] “

Valentine’s Day is mentioned ruefully by Ophelia in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” (1600–1601)

In 1797, a British publisher issued “The Young Man’s Valentine Writer”, which contained scores of suggested sentimental verses for the young lover unable to compose his own.

Paper Valentines became so popular in England in the early 19th century that they were assembled in factories. Fancy Valentines were made with real lace and ribbons, with paper lace introduced in the mid-19th century.

In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates packed in a red satin, heart-shaped box. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine’s Day as an occasion for giving jewellery. This idea has spread to other countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia

There is a very detailed Treatise on Valentine’s Day in Wikipedia which is well worth reading.

Valentine’s Day Symbols:

Pink and red are the colours most often associated with Valentine’s Day .

Heart shapes are used to decorate many things, such as cards, wrapping paper and  gift boxes. Red roses are a particular symbol of Valentine’s Day

The romance associated with this day is represented by statues and images of Cupid, the mischievous small winged baby like character, with his bow and arrow. In mythology, Cupid uses his arrow to pierce the hearts of his victims causing them to fall deeply in love.

Why Valentine’s Day is Important:

Cupid

The day focuses on love, romance, appreciation and friendship.

How will you celebrate Valentines Day and who will be your Valentine?

My most precious Valentine is my Wife, Ann. My two daughters also feature in my observance of this Day.

It is great that we set aside a day such as Valentine’s Day  to honour those who are important to us, but what is more important is to make those people feel special every day.

When was the last time, for no other reason than that you meant it, did you say “I love you!“ to your Valentine?

When did you do something unexpected for your Valentine’s pleasure or comfort without expecting anything in return?

When did you stop and buy her (or Him) a bunch of flowers, her (his) favourite sweet or some other inexpensive gift?

 All these actions say “You are important to me!”

Make this Valentine’s Day the most memorable one yet for your Valentine.

Doctor Bill

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