The other day, I overheard someone say, “I hate Valentine’s Day! It’s just another Hallmark holiday.” I hope he reads this post because, well, no, it’s not!
There are many legends surrounding the origin of Valentine’s Day and the identity of St. Valentine but the fact remains that valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages and written valentines began to appear after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today is a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London after his capture at the battle of Agincourt. I could be wrong but I don’t think Hallmark was in business back then!
I love Valentine’s Day! There’s something so special about it. You can almost feel the romance in the air whether you’re romantically involved at the time or not. I’ve had some wonderful, memorable Valentine’s Days. Through the years, there were candlelit dinners and gifts of candy, flowers and jewelry. But, as much as I enjoyed and appreciated those celebrations, they pale in comparison to the Valentine’s Day when I was six years old.
My first Valentine’s Day party! Our first grade classroom was decorated with hearts, which we’d cut out of red and pink construction paper and pasted on lacy, white backings. We ate pink and white frosted cupcakes and heart shaped cookies. Then, we passed out our Valentine’s Day cards with images of kittens, puppies and cupids. I can still remember how excited I was when I opened the cards, especially the one from Stevie Thompson. I had such a crush on him!
At the end of the day, as we walked down the front steps of our elementary school to head home, Stevie called out my name. I stopped and turned around. And then, he walked up to me, kissed me on the cheek and took off running down the steps. I think I floated all the way home. Happy Valentine’s Day, Stevie, wherever you are!
What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day?
First kiss--a memory worth cherishing. Happy Valentines day, Pat.
ReplyDeleteAwwwww... I remember my first kiss. Outside St. Teresa after school w/ Sky White. Completely surprised. I think he's in a band now. Yeah, a rock star kissed me. ;) Though it wasn't on Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteBest Valentine's Day that I can remember was last year. Mike and I made a fondue appetizer and dessert to go along with delicious steak. It was a fun stay-at-home evening.
XOXOXO!
Yes, the First Grade, at Flato School in Kingsville, Texas! Making those valentines and stuffing them into the class mailbox. (Your teacher gave everyone a valentine, in case someone missed out altogether). I remember two little girls in particular, because I took special care with their valentines. Even at six years old!
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day has gotten away from me this year.
So, evidently I'm not the only one who thinks nothing can beat a first kiss.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first kissed my husband to-be, his comment was "Wow this girl sure knows how to kiss". I thought to myself, "I learned this from my 6th grade sweetheart, Jimmy Lay. After my husband's death I eventually re-united with that same 6th grade sweetheart who I married 2 years ago on Valentine's Day. What a lucky woman I am.
DeleteA first kiss is a jewel to keep in a velvet-lined box of memories.
ReplyDeleteI have several Valentine cards dating back to around 1920 or so, and they're some of my most prized possessions. They're so much fancier than what we find at the card store now.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteHow true!
Marja,
I've seen cards like the ones you have in antique stores and they are gorgeous!
Dear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic Valentine's Day love story! Maybe there's hope for Stevie Thompson and me after all. :)
Okay, good luck with Stevie Thompson.
DeleteMy (adult) writers in a local workshop wrote on "My First Crush" a few weeks ago and shared them in class. You never forget! Love this blog. Happy Valentine's Day, Patricia.
ReplyDeleteEileen,
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Happy Valentine's Day to you too!
Funny about those Valentine memories. My most memorable gift was a jar of olives.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Catherine,
DeleteI'm sure there's a story behind that. Thanks for stopping by.