'Saint Valentine's Day' has long been honored as a day for romance and devotion.
The exact reasons for an association of 'Saint Valentine' (d. 269 AD)
with courtly, noble, and romantic love is not really known.
Most sources point to the Middle Ages -
perhaps Geoffrey Chaucer and his circle, when
the feast day of February 14th became associated with romantic love.
Others argue that romantic associations for February 14th originated
among 18th century English 'antiquaries'.
A more curious legend tells that birds paired in mid-February -
this pairing thence associated with romance and thus Saint Valentine.
Whatever the reason,
'Saint Valentine's Day' remains the day to be soft of heart and kind of word
to all those we hold dear -
and perhaps, a few, lost to 'Time'.
May fond memories never pale.
They are indeed - rich!
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