A bit about Valentine's Day

I’m guilty.  I’m one of those romantic saps who use Valentine’s Day to mark anniversary dates with my life partner.  We didn’t marry on this lust loving day, nor have we ever given it much commitment.  We simply used this as a date, that sorta solidified when we officially became a couple.  We met after New Years, we were in love by Valentine’s Day.  It’s been twenty three years and it has become, as simple as that.

Several martyrdom stories have been invented to go along with this early Christian liturgical celebration.  One Saint Valentinus performed weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to do so (marry that is) and the whole “longing” sentiment was established. Valentines were notes of farewell as the men went off to battle. 

Dance with my, my Love - Long for me, when I go off...

In the Middle Ages the tradition of courtly love flourished and presenting flowers, sweets and greeting cards evolved with the presence of cupid. We love to love.  

Today, Valentine’s day is very, very commercial.  Dinner out, chocolates, wine and roses, not to mention scheduled romantic 'steal aways' encouraging the purchasing of lingerie and sexual accoutrement!  But that changes.  With all that passion most couples have children.  Interestingly enough, the Canadian statutory holiday 'Family Day' almost always coincides a day before, or around Valentines Day.  

We buy chocolates for our kids.  That’s what we celebrate.  The ultimate fruition of love is your children and the children they will have,  and all this loving and cuddling is the real reason why we feel intimately drawn to another person.  We see our future in them and the spark of Valentines, is just a wonderful perk along the way. 

Of course if couples do not go the route of raising children, the physical release of lovemaking is a continued expression of a primal need.  Mankind thrives on it.  Who is to say what amount of intimacy is the appropriate amount?  Not I.

I personally think if you have been lucky enough to find someone who continues to love you, then that in it’s self, is cause for celebration.  Happy Valentines.  Tell someone you love them.