Crabby Cupid

Dear Heart-less, 

I’m assuming the signature denotes you don’t want to give out hearts or symbols of love. However, it also might indicate you’re somewhat heartless or lacking of heartfelt emotions. Just sayin.’  

Whether or not you decide to celebrate those in your life with tokens from the wide selection of Valentine's merchandise is up to you. You’re the one to suffer the consequences - or not. I can’t give you advice about that decision. I can, however, give you some background about Valentine’s Day which may help to justify your Scrooge-like attitude toward the holiday if that’s what you’re looking for.  

Lisa Bitel, Professor of History and Religion, writes, “Much like love itself, St. Valentine and his reputation as the patron saint of love are not matters of verifiable history, but of faith.” 

Valentine’s Day began as a feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. St. Valentine wasn’t a patron of love. In fact, there were several Valentinus saints over the years, none of whom were particularly romantic. 

According to historians, the romance part started with Chaucer, author of The Canterbury Tales, who wrote about birds mating in February. Soon, the nature-minded European nobility began sending love notes during the bird-mating season.  

Industrialization soon took over by mass-producing cards. Then Hersey and Cadbury stepped into the picture. So, Mr. Heart-less, you’re quite correct in assuming it’s - at least partially - a commercially inspired holiday.  

If I were you, I’d ask myself this question, “How important are tokens of love and appreciation on Valentine’s Day to my wife, grandchildren, office assistant?” If the answer is “very” then I’d say, “Get going, mister. Valentine’s Day is tomorrow!”