Valentine’s Day, perhaps the most holy of secular holidays. A day to celebrate the intent of Love which rises above the joys, the heartaches, the lost and found. Franklin Lakes resident Nancy Rosin is a recognized authority on the history of Love, at least as it relates to Valentine’s Day. She is president of the National Valentine Collectors Association, and has been featured on the History Channel discussing the evolution of Valentine’s Day. Readers can access this video interview by clicking here.
The National Valentine Collectors Association, as the name implies, collects valentines. A small niche in the world of collectibles, valentines from yesteryear offer a glimpse into different eras and demographics of society; they also tell stories. They speak of Love in a particular Time and Place, and they offer tangible proof of that Love.
Today a valentine is not confined to the paper artistry still popular today. While the ritual of passing valentines to another who opens, holds, and treasures the sentiment can not be replaced, modern technology tools allow the creation of other forms of expression.
YouTube acts as a repository for many creative video expressions that cannot actually be touched, but certainly touch the heart. The accompanying video is an example, and perfect for anyone who may have slipped up and forgotten to get their valentine a valentine.
For more on valentines from days gone by, readers can also visit victoriantreasury.com.
Poetry Interlude
How Do I Love Thee
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, — I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.