Friday, February 14, 2014

Misty Past of Valentine's Day

       Today is a fun day to celebrate and pass on our greetings to others. We celebrate with cards and lots of chocolate. In some areas gifts are exchanged.

     So where does this tradition come from? It's been a long and winding trail. The original  Saint Valentine comes from the third century and he died on Feb. 14. In the middle ages St. Valentine was associated with courtly love. Complicating things were other St. Valentines and similar names. Over the many years numerous stories emerged around Valentines

     Apparently the Catholic Church does not recognize St. Valentine and does not have any religious celebration related to St. Valentine. ( Now I found some material which would appear to contradict that there is no celebration in the Catholic Church.) Some other churches do have reference to St. Valentine and some observance in their routine. 

    Modern Valentine's traditions began in the 18 th century and have steadily changed. Today Valentine's Day has turned into a very large commercial venture. A fantastic amount of chocolate is sold as well as greeting cards.

    So we've come to a place where the day is marked by fun, enjoyment and numerous wishes for a Happy Valentine's Day. 

     Since I have a brother who has a birthday today, I have a bigger stake in the day. My brother was born in a small country hospital. Very few babies  were born there during a year. A baby born Feb. 14 was a big occasion. The nurses wanted my Mom to name my brother Valentino. Mom didn't follow their suggestion and I imagine my brother is quite happy that she didn't follow their advice.

    So I wish everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day!

29 comments:

  1. It's a day much like any other to me so no chocolates or cards.

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    1. Well, now that you mention it, no cards or chocolate around here either.

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  2. Happy Birthday to you brother for yesterday 14th February - I am sure he is pleased that your Mum didn't follow the suggestions.

    Ivan and I seldom celebrate Valentine's Day - rather celebrating other days of the year - but yesterday he surprised me with a lovely card and a lottery ticket for the $20 million draw tonight. If I win, I will come and visit.

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    1. I'll hold you to the lottery ticket. I have a friend who says he'll publish my blog if he wins the lottery!

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  3. Oh Red the name Valentino would have been a wonderful name the girls would have loved it:) Great history thank you. Happy Birthday Valentino or what ever your name is:):) B

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    1. Mom named my brother, David, a name that suits him well.

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  4. Great Valentine History Red - It is a fun day round here with special treats and surprises awaiting. Happiness to you n family and Happy Birthday to your brother :)

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    1. Thank you . Valentine's day isn't a big celebration here but I do wish people a happy Valentine's Day.

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  5. The history of Saint Valentine is absolutely fascinating!

    Happy birthday to your brother!

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    1. I just picked a few parts of the history. There's a tremendous past to Valentine's day.

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  6. Yes, that would have been quite a difficult name for him to carry around all his life! Hope you had a fun Valentine's Day. My guy bought me flowers, he doesn't usually so I really enjoyed the surprise. :-)

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    1. You'r e a lucky girl to get flowers. The name would have been shortened to Val. Many of the older German men in our district were named Val.

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  7. Happy belated Valentines Day to you.

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  8. Happy Valentine's Day to you as well!!

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    1. You need some good days. I hope you are soon back to your usual self.

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  10. I tried to have some fun and hope your brother does the same

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    1. You know I've never discussed Valentine's Day with my brother.

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  11. The history of this holiday is quite interesting. It has become extremely commercial over the years, and my husband and I celebrate it quietly, and in our own way.

    I hope you had a nice day. And happy (belated) birthday to your brother!

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    1. I picked just a wee bit of the history. Some history puts the day into a little bit of perspective.

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  12. A little late, but happy Valentine's Day! You could hardly walk in Walmart today for people buying Valentine flowers and candy at 50% off. Wonder what they will do with it? Did the sweethearts have to wait until it went on sale? :)

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  13. Thank you! Are the Walmart shoppers buying for next year? No , Walmart shoppers are now kind of people.

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  14. Hope you goy some chocolate Red! And I am glad your Mom passed on the name for your brother...although it would have made a great middle name:)

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  15. A bit late with rounds these days , but glad I got here Red. Your information is always so very interesting ! Your brother must have been the hit of the town born on the day of love :)

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  16. I'm proud to share your brothers birthday!
    Valentino would have been perfect for him but I guess it would have been a little over the top as well.

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  17. I do appreciate a day when people can give to one another. I've been house bound with ill hubby, but any day is random acts of kindness day!

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  18. Even though I am deeply in love and thoroughly engaged, no flowers, chocolates, or anything too precious was exchanged around my house either. I attempted to settle for a Domino's pizza (of the lady's choice of toppings, of course), a heartfelt poem, a hastily signed Hallmark card, and the return of myself and our child from five days of being snowbound away from my Valentine... but I think she would have preferred the flowers and candy anyway. Oh, well. You win some and you lose some, Red!

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