Valentines Day keeps marching on
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Each year residents of Ringgold County and all across the nation prepare to celebrate their unrequited love. They pour through countless card displays, research just the right floral arrangements and scour the pages of the internet looking for just the right gift that says “I LOVE YOU.”
Valentine’s Day is a decidedly American holiday, albeit a totally contrived one. On Saturday February 14, couples, families, fellow students and a whole host of other people will all partake in the sharing of affection this holiday symbolizes.
The origins of this tradition are a bit more mysterious. There were three martyred Saint Valentine’s according to historical records kept mostly by the Catholic church. These men were closely associated with the tradition that helped change what was originally a pagan ritual closely associated with fertility ceremonies, to the less controversial holiday we know to this day.
The first “Valentine” letter dates back to 1375 where Geoffrey Chaucer allegedly wrote a love sonnet to his wife Bonne of Armagnac while imprisoned in London tower. The poet’s letter forged the groundwork for the holiday we currently enjoy and the tradition of writing to a loved one.
By the mid 19th century the world began to commercialize this day, which was celebrated on the 14th of February, which just so happened to coincide with the early bird mating season of old world England; complicated for sure. Victorian men would lavish their loved ones with flowers and gifts in celebration. This was also the genesis of the giving of chocolates tradition as a further symbol of love. Richard Cadbury (yes, that Cadbury) developed the first heart shaped box of confections in 1868.
If one digs deep enough into this day you can even uncover early vestiges as far back as ancient Greek and Roman times. Roman emperor Cladius the II had outlawed marriage in an attempt to encourage young men to join the army legions. St Valentine was rumored to be conducting marriages in secret going against the emperor’s wishes which ultimately cost him his life. For this he was martyred.
Fast forward to the 1840’s and you will find the mother of the modern Valentine Card, Ester Howland. She was credited for designing the first card to celebrate Valentine’s Day and was commercially successful because her creation coincided with the advancement of the printing press. Today the country spends approximately $145 million on Valentine’s cards alone.
Country Blossoms, located on the courthouse square in Mount Ayr, has been busy preparing for this flower driven holiday for weeks.
“I think people want to be kind and make somebody smile.” said Angie Glendenning, owner of the shop, when asked how business was this year.
The shop was nearly sold out of certain flower arrangements but also sells small gift items such as candies, stuffed animals and balloons.
As complicated as the past was for Valentine’s Day, the loving tradition marches on. You are sure to bring a smile to a loved ones face when they receive their baubles and treats, just don’t forget this time tested celebration.
