The ancient Romans held a fertility festival in mid-February. It was called Lupercalia, and all sorts of naughty things happened that would make Shades of Grey look tame. Needless to say, it was one of the more popular festivals, and later highly discouraged by the Church.
As far as celebrating Valentines' Day as a romantic holiday, the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer gets credit for that. In the 14th century he wrote The Parlement of Fowles, a story that takes place on "Valentynes Day." In the story, the goddess of nature watches on while every sort of bird fusses around choosing their mate.
As far as celebrating Valentines' Day as a romantic holiday, the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer gets credit for that. In the 14th century he wrote The Parlement of Fowles, a story that takes place on "Valentynes Day." In the story, the goddess of nature watches on while every sort of bird fusses around choosing their mate.
Speaking of birdie conferences, with this early spring weather there's been a lot of busy activity in the overgrown corners of the yard. It's barely light now as I sit here listening to all sorts of calls. I can identify just about any bird I can see, but these guys are mating secretive, and when I go out they hide in the big holly tree. One bird in particular makes a repetitive sweet, sweet sweet call. It's driving me crazy not knowing what bird.
I'm baking a caramel bundt cake this morning, and John has some secretive errands of his own that might involve hearts and flowers. Anyway, after our morning chores are done, we're going over to the Audubon Resource Center at Seward Park and see if we can get to the bottom of this "sweet, sweet, sweet" thing.
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