by Rix Quinn

     Millions celebrate February 14 by giving flowers, candy, and cards to express romantic love. And some buy presents for their spouses, too.

     Yes, Valentine’s Day offers ladies the opportunity to declare affectionate thoughts with a lovely card. Most men, however, know they should also buy a present, or February 15 might not be a happy day.

     In ancient times, prehistoric man gave his girlfriend a practical gift – like a goat – to show admiration. His girlfriend and her family could feed from it. This was called “milking a compliment.”

     It’s speculated that Valentine’s Day originated 2500 years ago as Lupercalia, a festival to honor the god Lupercus with a lottery. Young ladies put their names in a giant container, and young men randomly drew a partner.

     At the end of a year – if the man wasn’t either married or dead – he could draw for a different partner. About this same time, the card-giving tradition started too. Postage was really cheap back then, because air mail was delivered by pigeon.

     Today, just about everybody celebrates Valentine’s Day. Elementary school children exchange cards with classmates. Middle and high schoolers write anonymous notes to their secret crushes. Young adults might bestow presents, kisses, or mononucleosis.

     I’ve been married a long time, and I generally do one thing. I take my wife to a nice restaurant…usually one without a drive-through.