History of Valentine’s Day and how to make it yours
Valentine’s Day is a Lover’s Day. We give little paper “Be Mine” or “I love You” cards in Elementary School, later boxes of chocolate, red roses to our mothers, our first love. Then as adults, we get to celebrate love in a special way with our significant other. There are spectacular Valentine dinner flights in our marvelous Sonoma County restaurants, greatest wine in the world and world class desserts. Then, those special gifts that are passed over to our love, at exactly the right time. Many lovers get highly creative at this time of year. I would be interested in hearing your plans for a special treat.
Who was Saint Valentine?
Saint Valentine was a real person who died by the sword in A.D 27. The Roman Emperor Claudius II took exception to his good deed of helping Christians wed. Valentine is the patron Saint of beekeepers, epilepsy and engaged couples and lovers. The first celebration of Valentine’s Day was made popular by the poet Chaucer in his work Parliament of Fools around 1375. Oddly, February 14 was thought to be the day that birds came together to mate. Chaucer is given credit for the modern Valentine’s Day. There are other pagan ceremonies that took place around this time of year to celebrate fertility. Shakespeare further advanced the lover’s cause in Hamlet. There was no turning back. It is a Lover’s Day.
So we celebrate
The invention of the postage stamp allowed mass mailing of the little cut out cards, anonymously even. Charles Dickens picked up the theme. Fancy boxed chocolate followed. Thank you, I am a chocolate lover. Today, there are millions of e-cards sent. Many renew marriage vows. It is a special day to commemorate love in that special relationship. It is not too late to plan that special something.
The Covid-19 pandemic has put a crimp in public celebration, challenged our restaurants and wineries survival. It is more difficult to celebrate our love and relationship. Yet it can be just as meaningful with your personal touch. Get creative.
I think of the homeless population coming through Christmas and New Years and wonder what it is like to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the coming of Spring being homeless. Some consider the homeless population as pests and a nuisance, leaving messes behind. This is not a homogeneous population. It ranges from victims of the pandemic to working poor living in their vehicle. Citizens imposed a tax to help with treatment of mental illness among the homeless. There are way too many people in need of food as we celebrate, as birds’ mate, and wine flows.
As the great poet Maya Angelou said may times in addressing this disparity, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. She often followed this with “Reach back and offer a helping hand to those in need. Pull them up!”
What is wonderful about Sonoma County is the breadth and depth of our experiences. We can do it all, have our special Valentine, reach out to help others. Give some consideration to donating to the Sonoma County Food Bank. Or give to the non-profit in your community that feeds those who need it. After family, that is what I am doing to share the spirit of St. Valentine.
