Really…How mad was she?

One of the best laughs I ever got while driving was this sign situated in front of a flower shop the day after Valentine’s Day. So what is it about this holiday that turns us all into ramped up consumers of silly bears, hearts and flowers?

If you happen to be single for Valentine’s Day, does it make you happy or depressed? Does that change if you are in a relationship and feel pressured to conform to the advertising mayhem?

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and for many, it is either a day of celebration or yet another opportunity for disappointment. So what gives? What makes Valentine’s Day special or not?

Personally, I believe that much like Christmas, we often have to many idealistic expectations around this holiday. Men run from it and women want to have that special someone in their lives treat them like royalty and buy them flowers just because. However, is it really spontaneous if everyone is doing it? Come on ladies – what are the odds? If HE isn’t terribly romantic throughout the year, what makes you think he has it in him to romance you on a prescribed day?

What if we make a pact and commit to appreciating ourselves and our loved ones in a manner that they would truly want this year? Ditch the expensive dinner and treat yourselves to a cuddle on the couch, a back rub (without expectations) or flowers throughout the year just because we love the way they look and smell. Are you bold enough to enjoy Valentine’s Day without all the commercialism?

Valentine’s Day should be a reminder to ignite your own passions and take time out to enjoy the simple pleasures in your life. If you are struggling to find a reason to celebrate, consider this…winter is almost half over now – isn’t that worth celebrating all on its own?

Still focused on this scheduled holiday? No wonder, after all, few days throughout the year have more traditions and superstitions than St Valentine’s Day:

This was originally thought to be the day on which birds chose their mates.
The first man an unmarried woman saw on this day would be her future husband (wow – one might want to hide out If they were frightened by whom they might encounter)
If the names of all a girl’s suitors were written on paper and wrapped in clay and the clay put into water, the piece that rose to the surface would contain the name of her husband to be.
If a woman saw a robin flying overhead, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a rich man.
Last but not least…Valentines Day Got Canceled in 1969 for being an orgy of consumerism. The Roman Catholic Church, which originally made this pagan feast of Lupercus: Lupercalia into a religious Saint Valentines Day holiday, also canceled it in 1969 when they realized it had gone from an intended festival of love to an orgy of consumerism.