The rose is red, the violet’s blue,
The honey’s sweet, and so are you.
Thou art my love and I am thine;
I drew thee to my Valentine:
The lot was cast and then I drew,
And Fortune said it shou’d be you.
We have had had plenty of hearts pass through our doors here. These poor hearts enter our funeral home still, having not beaten for days. The Undertaker takes great care to care for each and every heart that has ever entered Burial Day. Today is particularly a tough day for The Undertaker. Perhaps it’s all of the heart-shaped imagery, or perhaps it’s just that today is meant to be a day of visual affection and The Undertaker is not a particularly affectionate individual.
Saint Valentine was likely one of several Saint Valentine’s . The legends are more interesting than historical record. According to the Legenda Aurea, the Golden Legend, Saint Valentine was jailed for marrying couples secretly during Roman Emperor Claudius II’s rule who wanted as many men to remain single so that they could join his army. While in jail, Saint Valentine established a relationship with his jailer’s blind daughter. The night before his execution he left her a note reading “From your Valentine.” After his death the daughter regained her eyesight.
This time of year also has Pagan roots my friends with February 15th being the Festival of Fertility, Lupercalia dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. Lupercalia was outlawed in the 5th century by the Catholic Church.
Now, we know you are familiar with the chocolate hearts, roses, and seemingly regulatory candlelight dinners common to Valentine’s Day, but are you familiar with the below customs? Enjoy.
Norfolk: a character called “Jack Valentine” leaves candies and treats at the back door of homes for children.
Wales: Dydd Santes Dwynwen (Saint Swynwen Day) is celebrated January 25th along with Valentine’s Day which is similar in nature.
Catalonia: People here celebrate La Diada de Sant Jordi where in addition to roses, books are given as gifts.
Finland: Here Valentine’s Day is known as “Friend’s Day” and is more about remembering ones friends then having a romantic dinner with a partner.
Slovenia: A proverb here says “St. Valentine’s Day brings the key of roots.” So, this is a popular day for work in one’s garden to commence.
Lithuania/Latvia: Placing a sticker on the face of a family member, friend or loved one is common practice here on Valentine’s Day.
Brazil: The Dia dos Namorados is celebrated here June 12th as it’s the day before Saint Anthony’s Day, the patron saint of marriage. Overall, February 14th here is not really celebrated.
South Korea: Women give chocolate candy to men while men give non-chocolate candy to women March 14th.
Japan: Women here give gifts of chocolate to co-workers. Men give gifts of jewelry, accessories or clothing to loved ones.
Egypt: People here celebrate with cards, candies and roses, similar to the West, but on a much smaller scale.
Saudi Arabia: Religious police here banned the sale of anything Valentine’s Day related as they consider it a Christian holiday. So, shopkeepers are deterred from selling red items or roses on this day.
Well, my dears, you are all my Valentine’s. I wish you all are awakened by a kiss on Valentine’s Day as it is believed to bring good luck. I hope The Undertaker awakens me with a kiss. We shall see.
-Gravedigger
