Valentine's Day

So, I didn't post about Valentine's Day last week. What does that say? A romance author forgetting the day meant to celebrate love... Shocking :)
I think my biggest problem with Valentine's Day is the obligatory nature of it. Gifts received are not because someone just happened to be thinking of you, but because they knew they had to get you something. Nonetheless it is nice ot know there is a day set aside in our busy schedules to spend time with a loved one.
Here's a few interesting "facts" about Valentine's Day (I'm going to have to keep that in quotes because I can't verify any of these, they are just fun facts from the internet font):
- Women by 85% of Valentine's Day cards, but men buy 73% of the flowers.
- In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
- If you see a squirrel on Valentine's Day, you will marry a cheapskate who will hoard all your money.
- If you see a goldfinch on Valentine's Day, you will marry a millionaire.
- If you see a robin on Valentine's Day, you will marry a crime fighter
- If you see a flock of doves on Valentine's Day, you will have a happy, peaceful marriage. (probably explains why some people release doves on their wedding day).
- The ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia on February 14th in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of women and marriage.
- About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.
- Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D.

Enough fun facts. Just remember, just because this week is not Valentine's doesn't mean you can't do something special for someone you love. :)