Hello readers,
I’m writing from the library today, enjoying the cool air-con on this hot day, instead of my usual spot in Wantirna in the Knox area. Today, I’m thinking about Valentine’s Day a time for love, sweet notes, and thoughtful gestures that make our hearts feel cherished.
Don’t we all love a little attention those tender Valentine’s notes, heartfelt love letters, and small, thoughtful presents that remind us we are seen and loved?
But how did it all begin? Long before Valentine’s time, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a festival in mid-February to welcome the first whispers of spring and to bless families.
Later, in the Middle Ages, people noticed that birds began searching for their mates around this time. Inspired by nature’s delicate dance of love, poets like Geoffrey Chaucer declared 14 February a day to celebrate romance and the heart’s longing.
And then there’s the story of Saint Valentine. About 1,700 years ago, a kind-hearted priest named Valentine lived in Rome. When the Emperor forbade young people from marrying, Valentine quietly defied the law, secretly joining couples in love. When he was imprisoned, he became friends with the jailer’s blind daughter and healed her with kindness and care. On the day of his execution, 14 February, he left her a farewell note, signed with a simple, heartfelt promise: “From your Valentine.”
From ancient festivals to poets’ verses, and a priest’s brave heart, Valentine’s Day has always been about celebrating love the quiet, tender, and sometimes daring ways we show it.
Happy Valentine’s Day, and may we all carry on the tradition of love and kindness!
Happy Valentines Day!