Happy Ystävänpäivä Day

"In Finland, Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day". As the name says, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones."

I'm liking this version better. According to the US Greeting Card Industry, 1 billion cards are bought in the US, 85% by women. Since the 1980's diamonds have also become a significant part of the holiday. It is an odd way to celebrate what seems to be a misreading of Chaucer's poem in Parlement of Foules

For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

which celebrated the marriage of a couple politically betrothed 14 year old royals. I couldn't find any real strong footing for the fertility festivals or martyrs I thought it celebrated.

I have a love/hate relationship with this generically romantic day of marketing, depending on whether I am single or not. As I am currently single, I love to hate it. But I'm lonely, like many single (and coupled) people, and even knowing I'm not buying stupid trinkets or cheap champagne doesn't help that. So, my goal is to think Finnish and remember that friends are what matters right through to the end.