Valentine’s Day
Valentine’ Day occurs every Feb. 14, and across the world candy, flowers, sweets and other gifts are exchanged between loved ones all in the name of St. Valentine.
The origin of Saint Valentine’s Day is kind of murky. There are actually three saints that have the name Valentine and some sort of romantic, although tragic, legend associated with why the day is named for them. One fell in love with his jailor’s daughter, another was beheaded for marrying young couples against the ruling of the king, and, finally, yet another helped prisoners in the harsh Roman prisons. The pagan celebration of the fertility festival of Lupercalia also has been credited with the birth of the holiday.
Regardless of its origin, to me the day celebrates something near and dear to all of our hearts: LOVE. Not just romantic love, but love of one’s family, friends, coworkers and fellow citizens of the earth. Valentine’s Day comes during February, which is apropos in that it is also Heart Month as well as Black History Month. It is the day to take a break and spend time with those you love and give a shout out to let others know how much you care about them.
Valentine’s Day can be about so much more than romantic love, use it to let the people in your life know how much you care and appreciate them. Use it to do an anonymous good deed that helps someone who needs it. Use it to do something special for yourself. The list is endless. And, I have to say, once you get the hang of it letting others know how much you care does not have to be limited to one day a year. It can be habit forming.
So, enjoy the weekend, and be sure and celebrate with those you love.
Clara M. Spatafore D.D.S., M.S.
Interim Dean VCU School of Dentistry
Chair Department of Endodontics and Oral Diagnostic Sciences
Diplomate American Board of Endodontics