“Aah! Look at those love birds.”
They’re holding hands, sneaking a kiss, staring starrily into one another’s eyes.
It’s not spring; it’s February, and love is blooming!
It will soon be Valentine’s Day!
Yes, love is in the air, and chocolates await in heart-shaped boxes everywhere: grocery, department, pharmacy, candy, and other stores.
Pageantries of Valentine cards adorned in gorgeous roses pose on shelves and wait to be chosen. The prose-filled cards are heart-warming messages of love meant for lovers, friends, and family.
Gardens of beautiful flowers will travel in vases and pretty wrappings to homes and offices near and far, many accompanied by heart-shaped Valentine balloons.
Doorbells will ding dong all day long.
“I have a delivery for Mr., Ms., Mrs. will bring surprise and delight.
Whose Valentine will you be? Who will be your Valentine?
Cudos to those who will bake a treat for their sweet and compose thoughtful and heart-felt prose.
Many will indeed begin, “How do I love thee…”
Valentine’s Day is all about love birds. Some say that the romantic acclaim of Valentine’s Day is associated with the time birds choose their mates. But Valentine’s Day is also about recognizing and celebrating friendships and family.
So, what about Saint Valentine, the inspiration for Valentine’s Day?
The patron saint of Valentine’s Day is none other than Saint Valentine, a Roman clergyman. Yes, he was a real person. He ministered to prosecuted Christians and helped Christian couples to marry. Valentine died a martyr in A.D 270. He was beheaded for helping Christians.
February 14 marks the day of his burial. Although the Roman Catholic Church officially recognizes him, much of his life is a mystery.
Valentine comes from the Latin word Valentia, which means strength or capacity. What does strength and capacity have to do with love?
We can use our strength and capacity to show love. Saint Valentine used his strength and capacity and risked his life to help and love others.
Through the ages, a Valentine has come to represent someone’s chosen sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.
Much later, it also became a card or letter for a sweetheart.
Who gives or receives the Valentine’s gift during a leap year? This question arises every four years in various cultures, social circles, and places. Some say males are the receivers of gifts on leap years.
I figure it’s the female prerogative to say yay or nay.
Males love candy, chocolate, and other gifts. Yes, they also like feeling special.
And exchanging gifts is a common practice for many couples on Valentine’s Day
How and when the modern-day Valentine’s tributes of giving and exchanging affectionate gifts come about is mysterious and has many legends.
If you’re not anyone’s Valentine this year, be your own Valentine.
You are special!
Remember this oldie but goodie love poem?
How Do I Love Thee? by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height.
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,—I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Be well.