By Jason Park

A few years ago, I was asked by the editor of this paper to write a personal essay on Christmas, its personal and social significance(s). In that article I judiciously lambasted contemporary society as faux-celebration of the holidays. Now it is my task to write on Valentine? Day?ay of amours, roses, candy, and dare I say it, pretty cards. I remember how envious I was of those boys who received several treats and knickknacks from various girls. I masked my suffering by haughtily pretending that I was above such stupid ceremonies and social exchanges. And this tough-skin sublimation technique lasted for quite awhile. Throughout high school I, being the romance Scrooge, scoffed at those who received flower- and candy-grams. But inside . . . a
completely

different story. Now that I have a girlfriend I can more fully appreciate the intent behind those ceremonies, which I once deemed trite and trifling. But beyond that, I can see the value of making this day one? own. This day reminds all of us who are in relationships married or not?hat uninitiated love-tokens, tokens of genuine affection, have a cementing power.

Dr. H.A. Kelly, my professor for The Canterbury Tales at UCLA, said that Chaucer? favorite day was Valentine? Day; furthermore, he added that our Valentine? Day, which rests on February 14, is a deviation from the original day?omewhere near the first of May. In Europe, as it is throughout most northern climates, February is quite cold and the thought of sallying forth into the meadows and dales plucking roses is highly implausible. However, going with the personalizing idea, February, a winter month, is the perfect time to celebrate this holiday. With the gray days and falling temperatures, a little love-boost energizes the mind and heart. By celebrating Valentine? Day in February, we get a little fore-glimpse of nature? annual revitalization. So although it? Chaucer? 600th birthday, I have to say that a wintry Valentine? suits me just fine.

One more note . . . it seems that with both a mother and a girlfriend, I have to be a bit more financially savvy. Isn? that odd? The more people you intimately know, the more of a crunch you feel on your wallet! But these are just selfish ramblings totally at odds with the essence of this or any holiday. And I? somewhat embarrassed to admit this but even guys like (and yes, want) those cutesy trinkets that girls are naturally supposed to gravitate towards. If those gifts are from a loved one then the added sweetness can literally overwhelm any unromantic ice block.

Jason Park is currently attending the Writers Workshop at the University of Iowa, where he is studying for a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing-poetry. He graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in English.