Just who is this Valentine actually?

Valentine’s Day is thought to have originated as a Roman festival called Lupercalia, a day on which young men drew lots inscribed with girl’s names from where they lived. Each drew only one name, of course, since the men were then apparently able to enjoy themselves with the young ladies pretty much unbridled. Consequently, the same thing happened that would have happened had it been today: the pope took umbrage at such goings on. So the church had the day consecrated to St. Valentine, who was not only the patron saint of beekeepers (which is a bit ironic since bees reproduce in large numbers quite quickly) and of lovers, but was also the founder of good marriages. Now that’s what you’d call an effective countermeasure.

The custom of celebrating Valentine’s Day only returned to Europe via a detour in the USA, where it had been marketed. And so it was that the Europeans suddenly rediscovered the idea of sending flowers to their loved ones in February. Today, it’s no longer just the men who send flowers, and it’s no longer just flowers that are sent. An affectionate greetings card to one’s best friend is just as much part of Valentine’s Day as taking one’s dear grandma out for dinner.

The day is intended for loving each other. So it’s an opportunity to be taken – even if you’re single. And those singletons who don’t get any flowers or presents from overseas can treat themselves to something! This might be a sumptuously laid breakfast, buying oneself some cheerful spring flowers or cooking something really tasty, complete with dessert and not forgetting: chocolate! After all, if you don’t love yourself first, no one else will. And who knows, perhaps you could invite that cute neighbour from the apartment upstairs round to a homemade supper? Well, I couldn’t, of course – I mean, you don’t know my neighbour. But, generally, that would be a good idea. And if you’re not that confident as a host, you could always just make a load of dessert and take that round to him. Perhaps he’s even called Valentine! But even if not, you’ll have got to know each other, and the chances of spending the next Valentine’s Day together will have increased.