...and yes, the day of love is indeed getting closer. As February approaches, love is all around us—on the radio, in greeting cards and advertising, on store shelves, and just about everywhere else. It is the day couples wait eagerly for! Love has no language, but Valentine’s Day is dedicated to expressing love, affection, thoughtfulness, and care to the beloved one. Some celebrate this day with their existing partners, whereas others try to woo the ones they have feelings for.
We all celebrate the day on the 14th of February every year, but what is the origin of Valentine’s Day?
Have you ever given thought to this question?
And How about Literature?
Is there any reference to Valentine’s Day in earlier years?
We must have puzzled you with these many questions, right?
Although it may be hard to imagine it now, Valentine's Day was first mentioned in English literature at some point, just as there is love at first sight, a first date, and a first kiss. So, shall we explore more about the reference to Valentine’s Day in English literature as early as the 14th century? Promise we won’t be bothering you with these many questions.
But first and foremost, Valentine’s Day 2023 is almost ready to knock on the doors; consequently, the search for gifts and ideas has spiked enormously. You can explore Floweraura Valentine’s Day gift collection for some exotic gifts that will surely make your beloved smile cheerfully.
Let your favourite know how much you love them with thoughtful gifts, and dedicate some stunning lines of poetry and other work by classic poets and playwrights from English literature. Continue reading for some fantastic references to Valentine’s Day in literature.
Geoffrey Chaucer, 14th Century
Per the British Library, Chaucer's writings from the latter half of the fourteenth century are when the relationship between love and St. Valentine's Day first occurs in literature. On St. Valentine's Day in the spring, birds of all types congregate in his poem The Parliament of Fowls to choose their mates for the coming season.
You would see a composition of perfect harmony and courtly love, perhaps written for King Richard II as a hint to his adolescent marriage to Anne of Bohemia. However, the piece is rife with symbolism. A bright and energetic poem, it portrays the difficulties, chance, and humour that are a huge part of discovering love. It retains its freshness even when reading so many centuries after. This earliest literary allusion to love and Valentine's Day is also humorous!
William Shakespeare
It may not come as a surprise that Valentine's Day is frequently mentioned in Shakespeare's extensive and intricate writings. Valentine's Day comes in A Midsummer Night's Dream amid the magic and mayhem, with an apparent nod to Chaucer's poetry and the custom of birds mating. However, Hamlet contains what may be the most poignant mention of Valentine's Day. Ophelia in Hamlet had a sad conclusion, though.
Edgar Allan Poe, A Valentine
Valentine's Day appeals to writers and poets partly because of the opportunity for mystery and intrigue. Even though the day has primarily gone without incident, there is a sense of possibility in the air. The potential presence of an unwelcome but unknown admirer. The possibility of a dinner date or a surprise bouquet.
The unexpected romantic gesture and the exhilaration that a bit of secrecy may bring to a relationship are well encapsulated in Edgar Allen Poe's poem A Valentine. This Valentine's Day 2023, if writing a puzzle poem for your crush seems too much work, you could always borrow a page from Poe's book and attempt some genuine flattery instead!
Jane Austen, Emma
Since Jane Austen is frequently cited as readers' favourite romantic author, it may be a surprise that Valentine's Day isn't discussed more frequently in her writing. However, she was also a writer of great subtlety and complicated plotting, so it might have been her goal to hint at the day, leaving a deeper meaning for the most observant readers to find and enjoy. After all, some jokes are cleverer than others. There is only the slightest allusion to Valentine's Day and its traditions in Austen's Emma.
Wrapping Up
Have you decided on what you are going to get for your beloved? After reading these many things, we are also thinking about getting something related to literature along with Floweraura Valentines Day Gift Hampers. You can also choose some romantic quotes from the poetry written by famous poets of all time.
Love and Literature are beautiful companions, as they work wonders and add charms when they come together to express heartfelt feelings. Take help from the evergreen poetries of love from different poets, and woo your boo!
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