Washington DC Valentine’s Day Parade of Love and Caring: History of a Martyr
Posted: Thursday, January 13, 2011
by James Banner
If there was a Valentine’s Day Parade in Washington, DC where would it be? It could be on K Street Northwest (NW) or maybe on 16th Street. Either way it would be a spectacular event! Cupid floats could be displayed with their nakedness in full capacity. Married, single, and partnered persons could experience a joyful event to celebrate the love that they have for one another. An eclectic group from the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Australia, and the United Kingdom were all gathered around the cordoned streets to enjoy this celebration.
Although the weather would play a significant role, the show must go on! If the weather is below 10 degrees people could bring blankets and thermals to keep the heat suppressed. No need to worry, your love can go on. I will bring my blanket for sure. A girlfriend/boyfriend, fiancé, wife/husband, significant other, or just friend will know that this event is important. I married you for a reason and that is to celebrate our love endlessly. I am with you for a reason and knowing that you are a part of my life gives me comfort.
As the first float arrives on the scene with icicles falling from its floor base, it slowly passes us with an all white base, white and red roses used as a border, a circle of chairs arranged so that the audience could see who is seated. The chairs were in pairs with the lovers seated in each kissing as they passed by. The sheet arrangement was a work of art. It looked as if sheets used to make angelic symbols representing something similar to a Roman tradition, Valentine and Valentinus, just some of the many martyred souls. Valentine was known for marrying young men & women in secret, but when Claudius discovered this, Valentine was put to death.
See what happen was? Have you heard this before? Well the next float was sort of a like a lover’s quarrel. It had a house scene displayed on both sides with actors as if they were quarreling over something, perhaps a miscommunication then at the end they made up. Love and relationships are about struggle too.
‘Have a Heart’ was displayed on the front of the next float with its glimmering sparkles falling from the hands of cupids. The simulated forest with white trees as if snow covered them was in the middle of the float. Some cupids were hiding behind trees with bow and arrows as if they were going to shoot love arrows in the crowd.
More floats arrived one with Claudius fighting with Valentine as if an argument had broken out within the castle. Valentine was secretly marrying folks in the two-story castle-like scene. Another float simulated Valentine marrying a girl after sending his first love card to her. There was a large card in the center of the float that read, ‘From your Valentine’ which continues the trend today. So the floats continued and finally ended after a 3-hour tour. I just want to leave you all with this one fact: The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland~1. I love all of you and farewell until next time, my lovers.
~1. http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Hi James. Interesting concept. Thanks for the bit of history too :-) Many blessings to you!Hi Teresa,
I am glad that you commented. I always enjoy new fans. The morale of the article is to let love, do love, if love, find love, then love will be forever.
What a great idea, James! Yes, let's celebrate love, and lots of it...Sure why not! With all the cupids in the world (dating sites, friends of friends, and blind dates) there should be someone for everyone.
All you need is love - isn't that the song? Love is all you need! You have been creative with love and yes you do love being creative and I love reading them. Love can do wonders if actions are filled with love. :-) Thank you.DMHehe. I know this song. It's a good one. Once I learn how to play guitar better I can start singing. Now that's a Kodak moment.
What a rare (and pleasant) sight and sound- A man displaying his romantic nature! Being a romantic man is rare enough in itself......Thanks James- enjoyed this- Always- EllaRomance is my middle name. I know when to send the flowers and when not to. I know when to shut up and listen and say "Yes dear" and leave it at that..lol.
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