For many of us, St Valentine’s Day only becomes noticeable when we realise that we haven’t actually received a token of somebody’s undying love.  To some extent, even if we appear nonchalant about romantic love, we all appreciate an affirmation of our desirability.

Dating as far back as Roman Times, when possibly there were three St Valentines who were persecuted and later martyred by the Catholic Church, St Valentine first became associated with romance by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when he wrote the poem “Parlement of Foules” to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the 15year old King Richard 11’s engagement to Anne of Bohemia.

St. Valentine’s Day became a symbol of traditional courtly love during the 17th century when handwritten notes were given as a declaration of undying love.  The Victorians embraced the custom, and it was with the advent of an affordable postal service that readymade cards became popular.

In modern times, the original simplicity of the cards has become commercialised, and the addition of gifts and romantic meals have become part of the annual celebration. St.Valentines day doesn’t just appeal to young lovers; it is an ageless and universal opportunity to celebrate romantic love.  It gives us the pleasure of thinking of our loved ones in an established relationship, or the excitement of declaring our feelings to an unsuspecting acquaintance.