Each Bird Doth Choose a Mate

I overheard a young college student protesting loudly nearby on his cell phone that Valentine's Day is a made up Hallmark Holiday and thought to myself with that inner smile that comes with age, "uh huh,just wait". Sure it's commercialized BUT it's not a made up holiday.

It is said that once upon a time this was the date that birds began to choose their mates...  the earliest reference by Chaucer in 1381.

For this was on seynt Volantynes Day Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make

Must, bid the Morn awake! 
Sad Winter now declines, 
Each bird doth choose a mate; 
This day's Saint Valentine's. 
For that good bishop's sake 
Get up and let us see 
What beauty it shall be 
That Fortune us assigns. 
- Michael Drayton