Open Poetry #31 |
The History of Valentine's Day....... |
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
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! |
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© Copyright 2004 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
Professor Gloom Member Elite
since 2000-07-23
Posts 3082of Depression |
The is simple wonderful In your way of words you entertain and inform Just as the Balladeers of other times. Gloom |
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Bonnie j Senior Member
since 2003-06-27
Posts 1588Ohio |
Thank you Deer Loved this write, always looking for new knowledge. May you and your family have a Happy Valentine's Day. Bon-Bon |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Thank you for this 'Deer! |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(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 |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
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 |
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muted
since 2004-01-15
Posts 2949Elapsing, Eclipsing, Evolving |
very informative!! much enjoyed |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
'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. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer You have earned your name many tines over. Excellent |
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Greeneyes
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
neat write Deer~ Happy Heart Day... ~~**~~ |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
None will give so much as the first Valentine... Well done, and glad to see this again. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
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* |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Michael, this is really interesting. Thank you and Happy Valentines Day!! Hugs Ethel |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
educational...interesting....very well done.....Did LongJohn write this?... |
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Youngatheart Member
since 2003-12-30
Posts 333 |
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! |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
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 |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Thank you, Michael! |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Happy Valentine's Day Deer |
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Richy Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 3050 |
This was amazing Balladeer! I hope you and yours have a Happy Valentines Day! Richy |
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Deb Lynne Member
since 1999-08-19
Posts 180Where blue skies meet blue ocean |
A history lesson and romance all in one! You always amaze me, dear friend! Happy Valentine's from NC ! |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Balladeer: This was so interesting! I always enjoy knowing the history behind anything! Written as only you can too! Betty Lou Betty Lou Hebert |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
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 |
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Chanson Senior Member
since 2000-08-19
Posts 1559Up Creek w/Out Paddle |
Thank you, Balladeer, and the same to you! |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
Thank you, Balladeer! I wish the very same for you. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
My very best wishes to you all....even you, Toe! |
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