Image of Valentine's Day the media sells
February 14th is just around the corner. Florists, chocolatiers and greeting card companies are rubbing their hands with glee, as a flood of money comes their way. I doubt it will suprise you to learn that I think Valentine’s Day is a load of bollocks.
Do you have any idea where Valentine’s Day comes from? Or are you too enthralled with what to buy or wondering if you will receive a Valentine to care? Well let me give you a brief lesson in history.
Saint Valentine’s Day was established in 496AD by Pope Gelassius I to honor a pair
What Valentine's Day really means
of Christian (Catholic) martyrs. Specifically Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. So basically it all came about because the Roman Catholic Church wanted to celebrate the lives (and deaths) of a couple religious zealots. (Yep here I go again bashing religion)
It wasn’t until the medieval period around the 14th century that romance was linked to Valentine’s Day. It’s believed it was Chaucer’s love birds (Parlement of Foules 1382) which first provided this romantic link.
Now here we are in the 21st century and Valentine’s Day is yet another day which has been commercialised beyond recognition, far from its historical roots.
If you truly love someone you should not need a specific day to celebrate. Every day you share with a loved one is cause to celebrate. Simply to share your life with them is a priceless gift which should never be taken for granted.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Bloody Valentines Day
Image of Valentine's Day the media sells
February 14th is just around the corner. Florists, chocolatiers and greeting card companies are rubbing their hands with glee, as a flood of money comes their way. I doubt it will suprise you to learn that I think Valentine’s Day is a load of bollocks.
Do you have any idea where Valentine’s Day comes from? Or are you too enthralled with what to buy or wondering if you will receive a Valentine to care? Well let me give you a brief lesson in history.
Saint Valentine’s Day was established in 496AD by Pope Gelassius I to honor a pair
What Valentine's Day really means
of Christian (Catholic) martyrs. Specifically Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. So basically it all came about because the Roman Catholic Church wanted to celebrate the lives (and deaths) of a couple religious zealots. (Yep here I go again bashing religion)
It wasn’t until the medieval period around the 14th century that romance was linked to Valentine’s Day. It’s believed it was Chaucer’s love birds (Parlement of Foules 1382) which first provided this romantic link.
Now here we are in the 21st century and Valentine’s Day is yet another day which has been commercialised beyond recognition, far from its historical roots.
If you truly love someone you should not need a specific day to celebrate. Every day you share with a loved one is cause to celebrate. Simply to share your life with them is a priceless gift which should never be taken for granted.
Share this:
Like this:
Posted by Bek Harrington on February 10, 2012 in Commentary, History
Tags: love, martyrs, saints, valentine's day