'A smile is the beginning of love'

 

"Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."— Mother Teresa

 

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day, but some experts believe it originated from a Roman martyred as St. Valentine who refused to give up Christianity and died for his faith on February 14, 269 AD.  Legend also says Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, signed, "From Your Valentine.”

 

The date of his death was just a day before the feast of Lupercalia, celebrated on February 15 to honor the god Lupercus, protector of people and their herds from wolves.     Dances were held for all the single young men and women as part of this Lupercalian feast and as a sort-of “spin the bottle” variation, a man would draw his dance partner's name from a piece of papyrus placed in a bowl. 

 

The man not only danced with that partner but was obligated to protect her throughout the next year. In many cases, the partners became sweethearts and were soon married.   Gradually, St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers and the Lupercalian celebration also shifted to February 14 – the two combined into a day marked by sending poems and gifts like flowers. 

 

And as card companies and poets both know it not only became a day for showing love, but also one of the great days for creating “writers’ moments.”   Happy Valentine’s Day!