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| February
- Valentine's Day |
 According
to the Catholic encyclopedia, there were three St. Valentines,
“all of them martyrs”. One legend contends
that in the third century the emperor Claudius had outlawed
marriage because the young men were needed as soldiers.
So the priest Valentine secretly performed marriages
for young lovers. When Valentine’s actions were
discovered, Claudius sentenced him to death. St. Valentine
was beheaded on February 14.
Another theory as to how this date came to be renowned
for lovers can be traced back to Chaucer when he wrote
in Parliament of Foules, 1384, “For this was sent
on Seynt Valentyne's day whan every foul cometh ther
to choose his mate”. It had been noted that about
mid-February, the mating season for birds began.
This February 14 create your own legends among friends.
Host a play date for lovers and possible lovers. Invite
guests to dress as couples - cartoon, vegetable, animal
or historical. Archie and Veronica might surprise with
a visit from Riverdale. Brad and Jennifer, are they
or aren’t they? Pork and Bean will share a warm
corner for the evening. The rose would arrive with the
thorn to protect her from intruders. Reversing roles
provides an interesting twist. Has the Beast ever wondered
what it would be like to be a Beauty? Or, one might
reinvent history. Dear Henry, what if Anne Boleyn lived?
The challenge of the soiree is to remain in character
“Hi, I’m Bonnie Parker, pleased to meet
ya”, and to parlay with your partner romantically.
“Bradley, Bradley, wherefore art thou Bradley?”
All must come equipped with a romantic quote, ballad
or poem to recite at an opportune moment during the
evening. No, roses are red and violets are blue does
not pierce the heart. Try, “See how she leans
her cheek upon her hand! Oh, that I were a glove upon
that hand, that I might touch that cheek.” (Romeo
and Juliet). Score! |
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