I enjoy celebrating tradition however, continuing to do so is another thing.
Want to explore more about the origins and WHY we keep celebrating them?
Did you know-
The History of Valentine’s Day isn’t exactly romantic?
quoted by Kristen Fuller, MD with Psychology today.
In her article-” the real truth behind the hearts and candy”
She states: “This lovesick holiday has some very dark and twisted history.”
There is a bit of confusion with the actual origin of this Hallmark love holiday ,although the Romans and Shakespeare had quite a lot to do with this day before Hallmark came along.
The History of Valentine’s Day
To summarize the story… quoting from Psychology today’s.
Roman Emperor Claudius II executed two men; both named Valentine, on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. and the Catholic Church honored their death with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.
From Feb. 13-15, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, an annual festival in the month of February that was celebrated to avert evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility. The men sacrificed a goat and a dog, and then whipped women with the hides of the animals they had just slain.
“The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification.
They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. Later, Roman Pope Gelasius I, mixed things up in the 5th century by combining St. Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia to expel the pagan rituals.
As time went on, famous writers and poets made this dark holiday a bit sweeter by romanticizing it in their work, resulting in the creation of handmade paper cards for the special day during the Middle Ages.
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, combined with the popularity of this love holiday in the Western world, began the process of factory-made cards.
In 1913, Hallmark Cards of Kansas City- Missouri, began mass producing valentines.
Today, Valentine’s Day brings in approximately $18 billion dollars per year in sales.
Do you still want to observe this Holiday?
Sorry to dampen the mood of the day.
I do believe in Love, friendship and finding ways to show our appreciation to those in our lives. Valentines Day as we know it, gives us a reason to reflect on the joys of Love.
Love is more than a feeling; it should also be considered an engaged emotion.
Perhaps this year we can find some refreshing reasons why we love and appreciate those around us especially, during this pandemic.
It doesn’t have to End on the 14th rather, continue to show our love and appreciation throughout the year.. This really would be a challenge.
Here are 5 ideas to experience and Show Love & Appreciation in a Healthy way
- Simply say so.. Be real, genuine and show it through your behavior.
- Focus on something you both enjoy together: It could be going for a walk, run or hike together …with or without your kids/pets.
- Try something new with them..Show your loved one that you appreciate their companionship with a new adventure! (new sport, restaurant or vacation spot)
- Spend time learning with your Kids; Kids are excited about discovering New Things! They’ll value your participation if you learn with them too and remember it for years to come.
- Simply Smile … Do you smile at strangers? even wearing a mask we can reach out and say Hello, Try saying Hello next time you walk by a stranger; see what happens…most people light up and feel Happy someone reached out. When we offer kindness through simple gestures , a sense of love comes into your heart..
Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile!
There are so many other ways to experience the feelings of love and showing appreciation… (One can google them and find thousands of examples.)
With the challenging financial times we are all facing, giving material gifts are one way to show Love in a traditional sense of gifting : Flowers, Candy, Fancy Dinners… yet, the more meaningful gifts are the most difficult to do with the biggest of payouts…
My favorite memories are times spent with those I have loved or do love -not the gifts they have provided. What have been some of your favorite memories with people you love? What meant the most to you?
If you are still looking for something special in terms of a material gift…for your loved ones and not sure where to start? Let’s talk I’m happy to be of service.
“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.”
This concludes today’s Valentines celebration episode.
- Next week’s episodes will return to more ways to strengthen our immune system through improved digestion and elimination. I have a special guest that will share more from The Tummy Temple, in Seattle.. Stay tuned..
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