Valentine's Day: The most romantic day of the year

January 31, 2013

Stores are filling up with reds, pinks, hearts, candies, bears, and flowers in preparation for what is considered the most "romantic" day of the year.
There are many theories as to how Valentine's day came about, but it is universally thought to be a celebration of one or more of the early Christian Saints name Valentinus.
By the time the 15th century rolled around, this day had evolved into a holiday where couples exchanged gifts in expression of their love.
Everyone has heard the typical "roses are red, violets are blue" poem, but very few really know the real one. It echoes many verses that can go back as far as 1590 when Edmund Spenser wrote in The Faerie Queen; "She bath'd with roses red, and violets blew, and all the sweetest flowers, that in the forrest grew."
Then, a much more modern spelling and poem took place in where the traditional poem stemmed from. This comes to us courtesy of a collection of nursery rhymes Gammer Gurton's Garland in 1784.
"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."
Sappy poems, songs, and cards galore will flood the day as giddy women receive their annual Valentine's bouquets at their offices, and meals, smiles, and kisses are shared throughout the day.
Two local ladies chimed in on the Guymon Daily Herald facebook page about a couple things that make Valentine's Day special for them.
When asked about favorite Valentine's Day traditions or moments, Keisha Joslin states that she likes the element of surprise.
"Something unexpected," said Joslin. "I love receiving flowers on Feb. 13. It means so much more than to receive them on such a Hallmark Holiday."
Also, Tennille LeAnn Smith Wilson shared the story of a very memorable Valentine's Day that stuck with her in many ways.
"Ten years ago, on Valentine's Day, I met my best friend and soul mate while I was at work at PDQ," said Smith. "We started dating on the 22nd of February that year and were then married two years later on Feb. 22, 2005."
Everyone has their opinion on why this day is special to them, and there are sure to be many smiling faces and hearts roaming the area on that day.