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Balladeer
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0 posted 2004-02-11 09:20 PM



His name was Father Valentine, a Roman Catholic priest,
Beheaded on the day before the Lupercalia feast,
An annual event in Rome held always on that date
Where men pulled maidens' names from jars and took them for their mate.

The feast was just a small excuse for wild debauchery
As drunken soldiers stripped the maids of their virginity....
A week-long orgiastic setting where all lust was fed -
The Roman agriculture god was used as figurehead.

The emporer decreed no military man be wed
For fear they would not fight but stay with family instead
But Valentine performed the vows in silent secrecy
And, for this act, he was condemned - accused of treachery.

While interred in that prison Valentine began to feel
Love for the jailer's daughter, who brought him the evening meal.
The day he died he wrote her notes and, under each last line,
He finished with these simple three words.."from your Valentine".

He was later given sainthood...became the symbol for the day
That's come to stand for love that we still celebrate today
So, every time you send a card, reflect before you sign
On that young priest who first used those words "from your Valentine".

There are so many great traditions of this special day
Tender things and silly gestures that have passed our way.
One can only be amazed at things that lovers do..
Let's take a little look through history and pick out a few.

In the Middle Ages, maidens also drew out names
And were allowed to pick out batchelors for their lovers games.
They pinned the names there on their sleeves and left them there for days
Thus, "wearing your heart on your sleeve" became a common phrase.

In England, children dressed as adults, went from door to door
Singing of St. Valentine, collecting coins and more......
"Good morning to you, valentine
Curl your locks as I do mine
Two before and three behind
Good morning to you, valentine."

In Wales, they traded wooden love spoons to their lover fair
Engraved with hearts and keys and keyholes showing that they care.
When maids received a spoon with keys engraved into the bowl
It meant that "you unlock my heart" with marriage as its goal.

In the early 1700's, to America it came
And some will say the country has not ever been the same!
Now Canada, Mexico, France, Australia, U.S. and U.K.
All recognize this holiday that's known as Lovers Day.

So, all you Passion poets, please enjoy this special day.
It's rich in deep tradition and there was a price to pay.
Use this day to let someone know your love and friendship's true
And, as for me, I wish the best to every one of you!



© Copyright 2004 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
Professor Gloom
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since 2000-07-23
Posts 3082
of Depression
1 posted 2004-02-11 09:27 PM


The is simple wonderful
In your way of words you entertain and inform
Just as the Balladeers of other times.

Gloom

Bonnie j
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since 2003-06-27
Posts 1588
Ohio
2 posted 2004-02-11 09:29 PM


Thank you Deer
Loved this write, always looking for new knowledge.
May you and your family have a Happy Valentine's Day.
Bon-Bon


Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2004-02-11 10:32 PM


Thank you for this 'Deer!


Mistletoe Angel
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4 posted 2004-02-11 10:53 PM




(smiles) Yay! Awwwwwwwwww, I'm so happy you carry to move this tradition on, sweet friend, may you have the most blessed Valentines Day yet and may each day be like this 365 days a year, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Balladeer, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"You'll find something that's enough to keep you
But if the bright lights don't receive you
You should turn yourself around and come back home" MB20

iliana
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since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
5 posted 2004-02-12 12:11 PM


Balladeer -- thank you so much for this wealth of information which I did not know on the history of V-Day.  Great writing so enjoyed by me! .......hugs, jo
muted
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Elapsing, Eclipsing, Evolving
6 posted 2004-02-12 12:34 PM



very informative!! much enjoyed

LngJhnAg
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since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
7 posted 2004-02-12 08:38 AM


'Deer - This is a great poem - You are the best at these stories - I enjoy every one of them.  Here's to you. psst, 'Deer - This is not a free pass.  You earned every bit of it.
Seymour Tabin
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Tamarac Fla
8 posted 2004-02-12 08:48 AM


Balladeer
You have earned your name many tines over.
Excellent

Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-09-09
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In Your Poetic Mind
9 posted 2004-02-12 10:54 AM




neat write Deer~ Happy Heart Day...

~~**~~
You read before you words I write-
See before you my soul,
spinning on  waves of thought,
painting memories of time

Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
10 posted 2004-02-12 11:05 AM


None will give so much
as the first Valentine...

Well done, and glad to see this again.

suthern
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Louisiana
11 posted 2004-02-12 11:41 AM


Now me? *S* I've never ever worn my heart on my sleeve. *picture of innocence* LOL

Happy Valentine's Day... this is always a welcome read. *S*

garysgirl
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12 posted 2004-02-12 11:59 AM


Michael, this is really interesting.
Thank you and Happy Valentines Day!!
Hugs  
Ethel

Toerag
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Ala bam a
13 posted 2004-02-12 12:03 PM


educational...interesting....very well done.....Did LongJohn write this?...
Youngatheart
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14 posted 2004-02-13 08:34 AM


Balladeer...Your work is always breath taking.  We used to hear the story behind Valentine's Day a lot in the olden days...but I bet there are many young ones now who have no clue how it started. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Youngster

Toe...what a classic line!

Nightshade
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just out of reach
15 posted 2004-02-13 09:48 AM


This is wonderful Balladeer. You learn something new everyday as they say. I could have sworn Valentine's Day was named after a blushing girl with a heart-shaped face and whose kisses tasted of chocolate!
Thankyou for telling a story as only a true poet can. Happy Valentine's Day!! hugs, Chris

Martie
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16 posted 2004-02-13 11:15 AM


Thank you, Michael!  
passing shadows
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displaced
17 posted 2004-02-13 12:45 PM


Happy Valentine's Day Deer
Richy
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since 2003-05-03
Posts 3050

18 posted 2004-02-14 12:33 PM



This was amazing Balladeer!
I hope you and yours have a
Happy Valentines Day!

Richy  

Deb Lynne
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since 1999-08-19
Posts 180
Where blue skies meet blue ocean
19 posted 2004-02-14 03:13 PM


A history lesson and romance all in one! You always amaze me, dear friend!
Happy Valentine's from NC !  

Trillium
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20 posted 2004-02-14 03:19 PM


Balladeer:  This was so interesting! I always enjoy knowing the history behind anything! Written as only you can too!

Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Titia Geertman
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since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
21 posted 2004-02-14 06:30 PM



He is a story teller
Our sweet, sweet Balladeer
And I'm happy my dear friend
That I caught your story here

Telling us about Valentine
Who had this secret love
I'm sure that somewhere Balladeer
He's smiling from above

Always a pleasure to read you Ball
And don't mind Toerag,
he's just jealous.

Happy Valentine from the Dutchie

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Chanson
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since 2000-08-19
Posts 1559
Up Creek w/Out Paddle
22 posted 2004-02-14 10:05 PM


Thank you, Balladeer, and the same to you!
SmartChick
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since 2001-09-23
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On A Journey To The Unknown
23 posted 2004-02-15 12:05 PM


Thank you, Balladeer! I wish the very same for you.
Balladeer
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24 posted 2004-02-15 12:15 PM


My very best wishes to you all....even you, Toe!  

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