I learned today that Saint Valentine was a Catholic priest in the 3rd Century who was condemned for marrying men in the Roman Army who were supposed to be single. He was clearly a visionary. He knew married men would be more willing to leave home to fight with someone other than their wives.
There seems to be some issue on why the middle of February was chosen as the day of celebration with history saying it was either the day of Valentine's execution or an attempt by the early church to co-opt a pagan celebration of fertility. I’m going with the latter.
When the Vice Count of Hallmark won the battle of Agincourt and began making greeting cards in the early 1400s people began sending little love notes to their friends. Charles, Duke of Orléans is said to be the first of Hallmark’s card writers while a prisoner of war following his capture at the battle, where the Vice Count defeated the flower vendors of Lord Transworld-Delivery. To this day his first poem summarized the battle as he wrote home to his girlfriend of the time. It was quickly translated into English and became an instant success of the early Valentine’s Day/fertility celebrations.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Hallmark won the battle,
I am still here,
How about you?
Over the years this poem has been modified to the current version taught worldwide as part of every third-grade curriculum.
Roses are red
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you.
I hope all who read this have a happy Valentine’s Day as you look for a quiet place to dine.
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