Valentine’s Day is upon us – a day to remember our sweethearts, send cards and give flowers and candy. How did it begin? Some say the holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced the Pagan celebration Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine.” Regardless of the origin, down through the ages and civilizations, people have kept the tradition alive of recognizing their loved ones on this special day.
Whether you have a “sweetheart” or not, connection to others is built into our very core essence. Some profess, however, we have come into one of the most “disconnected” ages of all time. Even though we know more information and details world-wide through the internet, many of our personal relationships have evolved to texting, sending e-mails and messages on social media.
To develop dynamic relationships takes time, intention and a willingness to be open. It takes speaking from the heart and really listening and caring about the other person.
Say with me: “This Valentine’s Day and every day I express my love by just being open and available to those I care for in my life. I feel so grateful for my family and friends and show my love in simple and kind ways. I am blessed. And it is so.”
