BE MY VALENTINE

February 14th is a magic day for many people, a "day of the heart," you might say.
The day, in memory of a Christian martyr, originated with Pope Gelasius I, in 496A.D.. It became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages, when courtly love flourished. It reached new heights of popularity in Great Britain during the 19th century. In 1847, Esther Howland, of Worcester, Massachusetts, developed a successful business with hand-made valentine cards based on the British model.

When I was a school-aged youngster, giving valentines to classmates was an exciting event. The unsigned comic valentines were not about love (heaven forbid!), but humorous renditions pointing out idiosyncrasies, with emphasis on the physical, eg; Looking too pudgy? Lose that fat! A readhead? Shave your head! Freckles? Hide them with shoe whitener! The valentines were on an 8 x 11 sheet of paper and cost a penny each. What a deal! Most of the recipients enjoyed the fun, but there was an occasional hurt shown (mostly by girls).

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately ONE BILLION valentines are sent worldwide each year, the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, after Christmas.

So, dear readers, there is no excuse for not sending valentine greetings just because you are traveling, for they can be found in most countries of the world.

More, later.