I know, the most romantic day of the year. But is it? The true meaning of the occasion has been lost in the commercial vacuum that today's society has become. I'm sure cardmakers, florists and chocolatiers love the day, and I bet there are people who think they do too. But why do you need a special day to show your love? Shouldn't love be a 365-day deal?
The first written Valentine's was by the imprisoned Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 - to his wife. He wrote over 500 poems to her, but she died before he was released, 24 years later.
RONDEL
Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart,
And with some store of pleasure give me aid,
For Jealousy, with all them of his part,
Strong siege about the weary tower has laid.
Nay, if to break his bands thou art afraid,
Too weak to make his cruel force depart,
Strengthen at least this castle of my heart,
And with some store of pleasure give me aid.
Nay, let not Jealousy, for all his art
Be master, and the tower in ruin laid,
That still, ah Love! thy gracious rule obeyed.
Advance, and give me succour of thy part;
Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart.
Now, that's romance.
Hi Anita,
ReplyDeleteIt's just another day as far as I'm concerned. Oh, and I do live with THE most unromantic man in the universe as we know it.
Still, VD (not to be mistaken for venereal disease) can't be all that bad if it prompts some hapless bloke into buying a bunch of flowers for his missus. I reckon women deserve days dedicated to them all year!
Shayne
PS Beautiful post. And the poor duke. How tragic.
LOL Shayne, my hubby is the same, although he did wish me Happy Valentine's YESTERDAY. LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnita, did you do the some research I did, I read about the poor Duke and his Lady during the week for my new Historical blog (don't ask, it's safer).
I fear my son is following the lines of his dear old Dad, first Valentine's with his partner and he goes off for a fishing weekend. LOL.
Thanks for doing the post.
Is that why we love/write romance? Because our dh's are just so not?
ReplyDeleteAnd Sandie, I won't ask but you know what I am thinking, lol.
Hmm? What? Did someone say something? she says, plucking her nose out of the keyboard after 4 straight days of edits 9am to midnight - with OH&S stretches, of course LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnita, we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day either for the same reason - it should be an every day thing, not just one day a year (or on an anniversary). We did, however, give each other a card and spent the day doing something with the kids!
ReplyDeleteJenn, good luck getting your edits finalised. Fingers crossed for you.