Valentine's Day 2016

Today I feel very spoiled and pampered. I received many tokens of affection for Valentine's Day. I do enjoy the traditions we have now for this holiday of gifts.

For those that do not know the history of the holiday, it started with the feast of Lupercalia. Celebrated February 13-15 two male goats (fertility) and a dog (purity) were sacrificed to honor the god Lupercus (similar to Pan). The blood soaked hides of the animals were cut into strips and used for whipping the women , believing it would help with fertility.

The Catholics took the holiday over and made it a day to honor St Valentine. St Valentine is possibly three different saints. The most known was put to death by the Emperor Claudius II. It was decided that single men made better soldiers, so it was illegal for them to marry. St. Valentine performed secret marriage ceremonies for the soldiers. He was arrested for the crime and sentenced to death. During his imprisonment, he taught a blind girl mathematics, daughter of the jailer. During that time they became friends. He prayed with her and her sight was restored. The day of his death, he sent the girl a note "from her Valentine" thus starting the tradition of notes on the day.

As with most holidays, it has become more commercialized. Not that I mind that. I enjoy the tokens of affection given to me. I would not want to be beaten with bloody goat hide. Perhaps some of my pets would. An idea for next year...