A romantic revolution

why valentines day is necessary

Valentine’s Day may be a commercialised holiday, but its placement in the calendar is oddly perfect.

In the lingering cold of February, when the first signs of life whisper at the edges of winter, a celebration of love — whether for another or ourselves — feels instinctive, even necessary.

Outside, the first snowdrop flowers are appearing, covering the roadsides like moon-soaked pearls. As if the earth is adorning herself. Getting ready for the coming season of blossoming.

Hilma af Klint, The Eros Series, No. 8, 1907

For me, spring is for lovers. It’s an erotic burst of flowers, bees, magnolia perfume and warmer, hazy days. It’s alive and sensuous in all the ways I long for during these stilled and grey hours.

We have just passed Imbolc (Saint Brigid's Day to some), an ancient marker that spring is stirring in the belly of the land. Though winter still lingers, there is already an air of romantic becoming in the wild.

The bullfinches’ proud peach bellies appear, followed by a shy dawn cho…