Today is the Feast of St. Valentine, patron saint of lovers and happy (and successful) marriages. It is Love's day. But as (the late Ella Fitzgerald singing her beautiful rendition of) the song "My Funny Valentine" goes, "...Each day is Valentine's Day." (Her interpretation of the song is one of my favorites. Thanks YouTube and the video uploader. Thanks, Ms. Fitzgerald for the gift of life and music you shared us.)
Notably, we know how to express our love and affection for a special someone in our life, members of our family, relatives, and/or friends, in various ways, i.e. flowers, cards (home-made/customized or bought in stores), candies, chocolates, balloons, other gifts. We can celebrate Valentine's Day simply and/or extravagantly. It all depends on us and our status in life. To me, what matters most is the "thoughts that go with the gesture of giving and remembering." To others, what is important is that this special event or occasion leaves, at least, a lasting impression to either one or both parties concerned, the giver and the receiver.
Looking back in history, many hundred years ago, the Romans celebrated a pagan festival called "Lupercalia." A young man drew a girl's name from a box, and she became his partner for the festivities. Gifts were exchanged and sometimes these new partners became partners in marriage. This falling in love and eventual marriage of some couples were attributed to the workings of "Cupid" and "Venus." Later, Christianity modified the tradition and made it a memorial of a Roman martyr-priest, Valentinus, "highlighting the transcendent dimension of human love."
In early England, a young man drew the name of a girl from the valentine box and wore it on his sleeve.
About the time of the Civil War, Americans began the tradition of sending cards or valentines---many were hand-painted. For young and old, (or not so old), decorating a valentine is part of the joy of this celebration, especially in elementary schools. Many years ago, cards were bedecked with such lavish ornaments as ribbons, laces, satin, feathers, and different kinds of imitation pearls and diamonds. Flowers were pressed and dried and used to decorate the card for that "special" someone, i.e, girl/boy friend (or crush), a favorite person, teacher, mom or dad, a brother or sister, etc.
As years passed, we have mass-produced greeting cards that were first sold after 1847 by Esther Howland (1828-1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Now, with the digital or wired world that we have, we can visit websites that offer free digital greetings of all sorts.
Again, Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! And to my caring, loving wife, I love you and thank you always!-chris .a.quilpa, 14February2012
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