I am currently working on an article (due alarmingly soon actually, but I digress) which had me researching the various celebrations of Valentine’s Day around this chunk of rock we call home. One thing struck me over and over again as I read through the information; no matter what the culture or clime, everyone seemed to stick to a few elementary rituals and practices. The tried and true combination of flowers, candy and cards reappeared time and time again. Is this really what romance has boiled down to, a hackneyed set of images from Hollywood and Hallmark? It would appear so.

Read more »