Did you know that St. Valentines day may actually have started from bird watching?
Most of us have heard the term ‘lovebirds’, and it may be that St Valentine’s day began with birds too. `Medieval French birdwatchers noticed that birds began to choose their mates in mid-February, and decided to give this an exact date: 14 February. The date then gradually became popularised across Europe and beyond, with traditions springing up around it.
The name Valentines day is derived from Saint Valentine; as each day in medieval times was attributed to a saint. Saint Valentine was chosen purely as February the 14th is dedicated to one of two early Roman martyrs, both named Valentinus. So the modern Valentines day we know today may actually stem from noticing the first tentative signs of Spring! A love-ly message for all of us.
Have you spotted any new love birds?
Birds took centre stage during the first UK lockdown with the increased volume of birdsong becoming the first thing people noticed when roads and aircraft noise almost disappeared. Many people took to social media to comment on how many more birds there were, when in fact they could just hear them better. However this, and more free time, led many to embraced a new hobby, birdwatching.
If you’re not familiar with watching birds and want to spot some ‘pairs’, Blackbird pairs are quite easy to spot. The male is black with an orange/yellow beak, whereas the female is actually a quite dark brown. Or, you can recognise other birds pairs from their behaviour. For example, collared doves will bow, rub necks and coo at each other (see the pair in the image above). You may need to be patient, but take time and observe birds carefully over a few days and no doubt you will be rewarded!
Share the love with friends!
In Finland, February the 14th is called Ystävänpäivä, which translates as Friend’s Day. This is something we could all get involved with this year, particularly now that we’re all spending time apart. In Finland they exchange gifts, although a virtual chat or a text may be just as appreciated. It’s a great opportunity to reach out to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues in these socially distanced times. And, if you feel like exchanging gifts, why not gift a forest bathing session? Our vouchers can can be tailored to you, for example a voucher for one of our general public sessions, a family session, or a private one for love birds! Sessions can be booked as soon as we re-open.
Image: Unsplash