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!

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