Mixed Matters

An internet radio show interviewing authors, writers and poets on their latest and greatest works.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Saint Valentine

Saint Valentine

Did you know that there is no clear account on how St. Valentine’s Day came about? It clearly has something to do with Romans, Christians, and depriving someone of something, that’s for sure. As far as vague stories go, one says that Valentine was a priest who secretly married couples after Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers. Valentine was put to death for his deeds. Another story suggests that Valentine was put to death for helping beaten and tortured Christians escape prison, he wrote a letter to the jailor’s daughter and signed it ‘From your Valentine’.

At any rate, Valentine definitely made an impact and here we are, two months after blowing all our cash on gifts, doing it again. At least most expenditures will be focused on a few specific things, such as chocolate, valentines day flowers, and any and all things red and/or pink.

This year I wanted to try to dig up some information on exactly what this saint was about, only to find vague stories about why his legend helps Mastercard and Visa make their yearly sales goals. Although I didn’t find any information that satisfied my curiosity, I will say that I am impressed with one thing. Despite how cruel human beings can be to each other, one thing is certain, and that is that we still find ways to celebrate love.

Don’t you remember when you were in kindergarten and you spent the afternoon cutting hearts out of pink and red construction paper? Then there was the list of your pals that you were going to give one to, but saved the best and biggest heart for that one little cutie pie? Those were the days, I tell you. Love was so uncomplicated, yet so real.

What you could do for your sweetheart (or what your sweetheart would do for you) as you grew older depended on several factors, including the size of your wallet and the depth of your concern for that other person. For some, a simple card and a walk in the park holding hands would do, and for others, nothing short of a romantic dinner, roses, or even a marriage proposal would satisfy. All in all, it’s the effort that counts.

Some couples don’t need tokens, however, to prove their love to each other. They know what they have with each other, and that’s all that matters to them, flowers or no flowers. Now that’s some real love, or some real denial. Either way, Valentine’s Day is here every year to make us face up to what we have or what we are lacking in love. If you find yourself alone this year on February 14th, do not despair. Find a mirror, smile, and decide how you can better care for yourself from that day on – I think Valentine would approve.

Chandra Adams
Author
Shades of Retribution
www.AdrolitePress.com
www.ChandraAdams.com

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