Categories: just-life
Date: 10 February 2005 15:37:36
In eighty one hours from now, the clocks will turn midnight and it will be Febuary 14th, St Valentine's Day. With it shall come forth the guilt of those who aren't single that they need to push the boat out and "do" something especially romantic and for those who are single the stigma that comes from being single on the "most romantic day of the year".
So as I sit here, comtemplating, I try to think "is it such a special day??"
I mean, take St Valentine himself...... there are three of them, a bishop in Rome during the reign of Emperor Cladius, another the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) and a third who seemed to of had a bad time in Africa.
The Saint of our tale is the first and was beheaded by Emperor Claudius in 270AD. Claudius had decided that married soliders weren't very good, so issued a decree that banned soliders from marrying. Our brave Bishop Valentine, on the other hand, believed that marriage was an important part of Christian life and so continued to marry people, in secret. He was, of course, found out and arrested. Valentine refused to give up God and convert to paganism to save his life and was put to death. While in jail he fell in love with the jailer's daughter, whom he left a note saying "your Valentine".
For this reason we send cards and chocolates (oh wait, have given them up for Lent (along with sweets)) and flowers and go out for meals........ I realize that I have to be very carefull or I shall end up being far too cynical for my own good over this weekend, which would be a shame as being overly cynical is a terrible way to spoil what should be fun for all.....
I wish to share with you some Valentine Day facts, from the lovely people at BBC Berkshire;
* In Medieval times, girls ate unusual foods on St Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future husband,
* Elaborate handmade messages, cards and gifts became popular during the 17th century,
* In the Middle Ages they belived that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex you met on the morning of St Valentine's Day would become your spouse,
so I shall try to curb my cynicism...... I promise that I shall. I may even send a card........ ;)
In other news, I thought I'd send my best wishes to Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles on the announcment of their marriage!!! Yay them!!!