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*couple exchanges various forms of affection*
Person 1 – *insert corny, funny line here*
Person 2 – “That’s so sweet!”
*various sex-related noises here*
In a previous blog, I asked a question, “What can you do on Valentines day that you can’t do any other day?” Well, today the question is still relevant. People in various parts of the world are celebrating the day of…..what exactly? Let’s dive into the origins of the day of love.
Theory 1 – A Catholic Priest, Valentinus (or Valentine), served under Emperor Claudius during the 3rd Century of Rome. Claudius believed single young men made better soldiers than married men, therefore marriage of young men was outlawed. Valentine saw this as injustice, and kept wedding young men in secret even thought it was against the law. Eventually Valentine was caught, and was put to death. (1) (2)
In another story, St. Valentine would wed younger men so they didn’t have to go to war. (3)
Theory 2 – Some would debate the Christians moved “Valentines Day” to the middle of Feb. as a way to Christianize the Romans. The Romans used this time frame to celebrate Lupercalia – the day of honoring the founders of the city (Romulus and Remus). The Romans used this time to celebrate the coming of spring, or the fertility of the coming of spring.
As part of the festival, men and women would put their names in an urn, and whoever drew out the name would be a couple during the festival, and some became life long partners. The Christians thought this wasn’t right, and rid the idea. (4)
Theory 3 – The beginning of birds mating season. Many used this idea as a way to display love for one another. (1)
Of course there’s information regarding the first Valentines day message back during the early 0-500~ AD, however due to inconsistencies (and Wikipedia) I omitted those areas because fact-checking wasn’t as accurate as what I found earlier.
So according to history, are you celebrating the day because you can marry your man without him having to go to war (or military)? Because you have Pagan roots? Because you was a bird in your former life? Because you believe in over-commercialized holidays? Granted I’m not trying to step on anyone’s beliefs, religion, or happiness, it’s something to actually think about. When I was younger it was a free day at school from the typical, boring work so I was excited. Now? I see it as a normal day because there’s nothing about the day you can’t do any other time of the year. If I really want to put on the tin foil hat, I can say the time is planned around the moment when people are catching up from after Christmas (or Xmas); so companies will capitalize on the slower moments of late Dec to the middle of Feb.
Today, if you’re celebrating the day with your partner, that’s a good sign because you’re spending the day with someone you’re currently sharing your life with. Spend the day like any other day, because again there’s nothing today that you can’t do any other day. Spend time with your partner because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to everyone, and use the time wisely. If you have strong feelings towards your other half, say so. If you want to plan something special, do it.
If you’re single, use this day as a sigh of not being forced into an over-commercialized day. The amount of money and time you would have spent on today, can be saved for an actual, important day (like a birthday). You’re not alone (or lonely), you’re using the day to remind yourself that being single is by choice, and you choose to save your time, money, and resources for something that actually counts when the time comes.
If you’re still on the “I have no one route,” remember I’m the single one for today. I’m not using the day as a negative moment, I’m using today as a moment to live like any other day. Only difference is the date, time, and weather outside.
Remember: Before you celebrate today (or any other day), know the origins, and why today (or that day) is more important than any other day.
(1) https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
(2) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudius-Roman-emperor
(3) https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159
(4) https://www.thoughtco.com/valentines-day-pagan-celebrations-2562121
The Royal Assassin 