Valentine’s Day
Well, it is February once again. You have seen and will continue to see advertisements’ pertaining to what the Madison Avenue PR people think is romantic. Their goal is to sell you something, not spread the love and romance this ‘holiday’ is touted to be about.
I will not get into the history of Valentine’s Day more than to touch on a few highlights. The stories forming the basis for this ‘holiday’ are wide and varied. One aspect can be traced to the Roman holiday of Lupercalia. In short, Lupercalia was a purification and fertility rite celebrated on the fifteenth day before the kalends of March (February 15th). The Pope later declared February 15 a day of purification. Later, much later, Saint Valentine entered the picture. The Catholic Church claims documentation to at least three different Saint Valentines. All seem to have died because of some association with love and marriage. Looking at different sources lends different stories. In short, it is a bucket of worms to find the truth, so believe what you want.
The figure of cupid comes from the myth of Eros and his romance with Psyche and the interference of Eros’ mother, Aphrodite. If you are not up on your mythology, it is Greek, and not Roman. Therefore, you can see this ‘holiday’ is really one of confusion. You have Greek, Roman and Christian ideologies all mix in a jumble.
The trappings of today’s Valentine’s Day are all about love, romance and the merchandizing of everything from candy to new automobiles. I cannot say we have lost our way in this celebration; we never had one. It has gone from a popular celebration in ancient times to obscurity, for the most part, until the twentieth century. There it gained the identity of a holiday filled with candies nobody needs, cards oozing with sappy sweetness and flowers that die and wither in days only to be thrown in the trash.
Try something new this year. Make this Valentine’s Day one of understanding true love and romance. Don’t buy in to Madison Avenue’s ideas. Only when two people can talk and understand one another is there really love and romance. Try sitting down with your special someone and talk. Don’t just talk to hear yourself speak, say what is in your heart, truthful feelings. Listen to what the other person has to say. Let this be the beginning of truthful communication between people. You will be surprised at the difference it can make. Romance is in the mind, the body only follows.
This year, on February 14th let love and not purchases be at the centerpiece to the celebration. Love cannot be bought, and no one should try to. Special feelings are the order of the day; show them without fear. This just may be the Valentine’s Day you remember for years to come.
A hug and kind words go along way.
©
I will not get into the history of Valentine’s Day more than to touch on a few highlights. The stories forming the basis for this ‘holiday’ are wide and varied. One aspect can be traced to the Roman holiday of Lupercalia. In short, Lupercalia was a purification and fertility rite celebrated on the fifteenth day before the kalends of March (February 15th). The Pope later declared February 15 a day of purification. Later, much later, Saint Valentine entered the picture. The Catholic Church claims documentation to at least three different Saint Valentines. All seem to have died because of some association with love and marriage. Looking at different sources lends different stories. In short, it is a bucket of worms to find the truth, so believe what you want.
The figure of cupid comes from the myth of Eros and his romance with Psyche and the interference of Eros’ mother, Aphrodite. If you are not up on your mythology, it is Greek, and not Roman. Therefore, you can see this ‘holiday’ is really one of confusion. You have Greek, Roman and Christian ideologies all mix in a jumble.
The trappings of today’s Valentine’s Day are all about love, romance and the merchandizing of everything from candy to new automobiles. I cannot say we have lost our way in this celebration; we never had one. It has gone from a popular celebration in ancient times to obscurity, for the most part, until the twentieth century. There it gained the identity of a holiday filled with candies nobody needs, cards oozing with sappy sweetness and flowers that die and wither in days only to be thrown in the trash.
Try something new this year. Make this Valentine’s Day one of understanding true love and romance. Don’t buy in to Madison Avenue’s ideas. Only when two people can talk and understand one another is there really love and romance. Try sitting down with your special someone and talk. Don’t just talk to hear yourself speak, say what is in your heart, truthful feelings. Listen to what the other person has to say. Let this be the beginning of truthful communication between people. You will be surprised at the difference it can make. Romance is in the mind, the body only follows.
This year, on February 14th let love and not purchases be at the centerpiece to the celebration. Love cannot be bought, and no one should try to. Special feelings are the order of the day; show them without fear. This just may be the Valentine’s Day you remember for years to come.
A hug and kind words go along way.
©
posted by Ed | 11:44
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