The Sigla Blog

Ok, forgive the sensationalist title, but it’s not wholly inappropriate. Doesn’t a massacre involve an excess of red stuff? Well so does the once religious feast that is Valentine’s Day because every shop and newsagents is splattered with scarlet, dripping with vermillion. From red cuddly toys to shiny foil heart balloons, the feast day of Catholic Saint Valentine (whose remains are enshrined in Dublin’s Whitefriar Street church) has been usurped by gaudy baubles proclaiming love and “you’re the one”.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem with Valentine’s Day per se. In the past, I’ve sent (mainly hand-made) cards, bought gifts and once made a strawberry cheesecake shaped like a heart for a former beau. I’ve received lots of cards, presents and even two anonymous bouquets of red roses on the day. Given that February 14th is the most expensive day of the year to buy said roses, who in their right mind wouldn’t sign the damn card? If the American Greeting Card Association estimates that one billion Valentine’s cards - exluding gifts - are sent worldwide every year, the value of manufactured romance is staggering.

I’m not unromantic or unappreciative of romantic gestures, as Planet Potato thinks some Irish women are, but I don’t think red teddy bears or a 100-euro-bouquet-that-usually-costs-60-euro are the way to go about it. I’d rather someone did something unusual or plain thoughtful than bought me a piece of tacky, sentimental merchandise to represent how they feel about me.

Thankfully himself thinks the same about the whole thing and composed a piece of music for me one Valentine’s. I’ve yet to tell him that next Tuesday I’ll be dragging him to a play I have to review. After that, I intend to catch up with a single friend who turns 30 on the day and has long lamented the lack of people to celebrate with after everyone she knew started coupling up.

Rather than participating in an ersatz holiday by buying an empty symbol, make a real gesture: suggest a romantic walk, cook someone their favourite meal or tell them something you’ve never told them before, but for the love of Valentine, stay away from fluffy toys and metallic balloons.

Edit: I have a piece on the lore and legend of chocolate (good on any day of the year in my opinion) that I’ll post on the 14th.