Happy Valentine’s Day

The origin of Valentine’s Day has been debated for years. Some thought that the beginnings dated from the Roman holiday of Lupercalia, held February 13-15th (753 BC – 5th Century AD). However it looks like the first, actual romantic love connection was happened in the Geoffrey Chaucer poem, Parlement of Foules written sometime during 1381-1382.

The poem takes the narrator from a lovely landscape, to the temple of Venus through to the coming spring. Here is a new English translation: The Parliament of Fowls.

In any event, Valentine’s Day is a pretty old romantic holiday! From the humble beginnings of a courtly poem, Valentine’s Day now big business. From restaurants to flowers to jewelry, American consumers are expected to spend $17.3 billion this year.

I know I was introduced to Valentine’s Day pretty early – anyone else recall the Valentine’s cards you gave out in class and dropped into the pretty box made especially for the occasion? The nuns made VERY sure everyone in the class received a Valentine from everyone else. I distinctly remember looking through my perforated cards for something innocuous to give the boys so none of them might think I *gasp* liked him!

Whether you choose to celebrate with a dinner at home, an evening out, jewelry and flowers or a homemade card, I wish you and yours a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

● 20 Decadent Valentine’s Day Desserts

● For Valentine’s day dinner ideas click here.