VALENTINE DAY

Evening Star, Issue 22881, 12 February 1938, Page 11

VALENTINE DAY

Next Monday, February 14, is Valentine Day, and Valentine Day is an age-old custom, not a “ stunt.” Its popularity is put down to a certain saint of the first century, called Valentine, believed to be the patron saint of friendship, affection, and love. Valentine Day gives people st chance of remembering dear friends and relatives. In the last six years or so this day has been celebrated enthusiastically, both in England and the United States, after being forgotten for nearly half a century. Recently St. Valentine’s Day was revived in Australia. Next _ Monday marks its first reintroduction into New Zealand, and with it a new significance. The habit of exchanging sentimental poetry has passed with the crinoline and bustle. It has broadened into small recognitions of friendship and family ties. Certainly the neatly framed declaration of regard still survives, but in a modern, sprightlier form. Ranging in taste from piquantlyworded tokens to perfumes, powders, and chocolates’, St. Valentine Day gifts have made their reappearance in Dunedin this month.

Family affection is evident in this year’s array. There are Valentine designs for every member of the family, even the children having special cards to send to “ Mum and Dad ” and selections of gifts well within their slender resources.

The revival of Valentine tokens and gifts will rouse many happy memories amongst the older generation and cause endless fun and amusement amongst the younger set, who (according to the town’s leading retailers) have taken up the idea most enthusiastically. Now we have Valentine Day with ns again—may it prosper. By all appearances it will.