February 13, 2009

• Tomorrow is Saint Valentine’s Day

  According newadvent.org:

  At least three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under date of 14 February…

  The popular customs associated with Saint Valentine’s Day undoubtedly had their origin in a conventional belief generally received in England and France during the Middle Ages, that on 14 February, i.e. half way through the second month of the year, the birds began to pair. Thus in Chaucer’s Parliament of Foules we read:

      For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day
      Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.

  For this reason the day was looked upon as specially consecrated to lovers and as a proper occasion for writing love letters and sending lovers’ tokens.

  more HERE

  The Old Fart, my lover, spouse, soulmate, professional colleague and partner in crime, who is also an English major and ArmsMerchant, wrote a very personal and intimate Shakespearean sonnet for me a day or two ago when he realized the day was immanent.  Today, he published it.  In case you missed it, and missed my recommendation of it, here‘s another chance to read it and his author’s notes on it as well as my commentary.

  Two years ago, I dealt at length with the history and significance of paraskevidekatriaphobia.  Click the image below if you’re interested/curious.
  
  

  

  • 5:56 pm
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