You know it's really weird how some years the media makes a bigger deal out of this than others. I swear today here in Sydney I hear and saw at least double the normal stories and competitions for Valentine's Day, or as my son calls it...rip off the bloke day ! LOL
There is a lot of confusion and contention surrounding the origins of St Valentine's Day.
Some say the original St Valentine was a priest who was jailed for secretly marrying couples when marriage was illegal...he was apparently beheaded. Yuck!
However, the roots of St. Valentine's Day lie in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on Feb. 15. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year.
Pope Gelasius I was, understandably, less than thrilled with this custom. So he changed the lottery to have both young men and women draw the names of saints whom they would then emulate for the year (a change that no doubt disappointed a few young men). Instead of Lupercus, the patron of the feast became Valentine. For Roman men, the day continued to be an occasion to seek the affections of women, and it became a tradition to give out handwritten messages of admiration that included Valentine's name.
This was probably the real story...but hey, I think that Festival of Lupercalia sounds kinda fun don't you?
So back to what we think it is all about...spending time with someone you love...letting that special someone know how much they mean to you..all good things!
So Enjoy the day and may many St. Valentine's Blessings be upon you!
I got a Happy Valentine's Kiss this morning and will be having champagne tonight!
Tell us what you did or are going to do to celebrate!
4 comments:
LOL everytime I see that theory I think what if the girl doesn't want to be the guy's partner for a year. I mean he could be gross or mean LOL
I personnaly like the St Valentine story myself. To risk life and limb for love and then to fall for your jailor's daughter. Now that's romantic. LOL
Aline
My hubby is the best guy walking the earth IMHO. He listens and tries. What more could a girl ask?
This year, I asked for a live orchid instead of roses that will look sad in a few days. This morning I received my orchid and the most romantic card!
We had originally planned to meet at a popular restaurant for dinner tonight, then I remembered how long the wait was apt to be and suggested someplace that takes reservations. He picked the most expensive place in our area and said I'm worth it. (*Melt!)
I guess surprising him during work yesterday for a nooner put him in a romantic mood! LOL.
Ash
*sigh* Yes Aline...that is a romantic story..albeit sad. I hope you weren't too cold up there at the mine.
Ash...that is so sweet. You're hubby sounds like a treasure. Good for him and good for you!
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