Why should Valentine’s Day only last for one day in February?

“Valentine, St., a saint of the Roman calendar, said to have been martyred in 306 A.D. The custom of choosing valentines on his day (14th Feb.) has been accidentally associated with his name. On the eve of St. Valentine’s day, young people of both sexes used to meet, and each of them drew one by lot from a number of names of the opposite sex, which were put into a common receptacle. Each gentleman thus got a lady for his valentine, and became the valentine of the lady. The gentlemen remained bound to the service of their valentines for a year. A similar custom prevailed in the Roman Lupercalia, to which the modern custom has, with probability, been traced. The day is now celebrated by sending anonymously through the post sentimental or ludicrous missives specifically prepared for the purpose. But this practice is also on the decline.”

Such is the definition given to St. Valentine’s day by the trusty International Self-Pronouncing Referencing Library. It is a very beautiful and descriptive paragraph, which lays out at least a couple of parameters for the reasons and celebration of the day, and the footnote and definition of what occurred during the Roman Day of Lupercalia leaves little room to doubt that some amount of romance would be the intended result of drawing lots, courting, or possibly of even sending silly little cards by “post”.

 Brevity is the soul of wit. Love– if anything– should be both soulful and perhaps a little witty.

I liked the part about drawing lots, and then being bound to the service of one’s valentine for the ensuing year. It made me think of any committed or loving relationship, and everything that goes along with it. As is the case with the ancient story of St. Valentine, that bond of service is a bit longer than just a year. However, it is the same general idea. For better or for worse, we no longer choose our mates by luck of the draw.

We tend to choose carefully, those whom we will love, and for good reason. The goal should be a healthy and vibrant love, hopefully everlasting. On the next Valentines, and other Holidays to follow, my wish would be that YOUR relationship is so great that it fills every need or desire with unbelievable satisfaction.

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