This Sunday is a day for love. We all know that love can be a powerful thing and has driven many to do things they would not necessarily do under normal non-euphoric circumstances. But people continue to fall in love and continue to celebrate its existence in their lives on a day known as Valentine's Day.
Anyone who says St. Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday had better check their sources. I’ve done my research and have found that Valentine’s Day has always been the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending cards, candy, flowers or other tokens of affection.
The holiday is named after two men, both of whom were Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. The earliest valentine dates from 1415. It was a poem written by Charles, duke of Orleans, to his wife. The duke wrote the valentine because he was being held in the Tower of London following his capture in battle. So, if someone gives you a line about a Hallmark holiday, let them know you know for a fact that card companies were not around in the early 1400s.
Duke of Orleans, what a transition to my next topic of Mardi Gras. New Orleans, the home of the new Super Bowl champs, the New Orleans Saints and quarterback, Drew Brees, former quarterback of the Purdue Boilermakers, is famous for its lavish parades and Mardi Gras celebrations. Congrats to all who have brought this city back to life since Hurricane Katrina. Tuesday marks the last day before the Christian tradition of Lent, the 40 days prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day of Mardi Gras is the most lavish of all: lots of fattening food and fun on what is traditionally called Fat (Shrove) Tuesday. The First United Methodist Church of Portage on McCool Road, for the second year in a row, is having a free to the public pancake and sausage breakfast. Breakfast begins at 6 a.m. and runs until 10 a.m.. Don’t miss this great breakfast in a great place in Portage to meet new and old friends. They won’t take your money even if you beg them.
Also that Tuesday morning, the public is invited to come hear U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky speak to the Portage Kiwanis Club at the Rosewood Restaurant in the Portage Mall. The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. and usually runs no later that 9 a.m. The congressman will be addressing everyone on many of the topics that are important to us here in Northwest Indiana in the political arena. You can actually catch both events if you play your cards right or have breakfast at the Rosewood while you’re there as well. This would be also a good time to see the many things the Kiwanis Club does in our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear an account of what’s happening in Washington, D.C., to help us during these trying times.
Don’t forget to do something special this weekend for the ones you love in your life.
The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. She can be reached at (219) 764-2187 or robinwilkening@remax.net.
