Valentine's Day
Folklore, Superstitions and Phobias
Folklore, Superstitions and Phobias
Valentine's Day has an intriguing history, from its mythical origins, romantic symbols, and humorous superstitious love potions to the present-day practice of sending heart-covered cards and chocolates.
Have you ever wondered:
* why Feb. 14th was chosen to be the day of love and romance?
* if a St. Valentine ever really existed?
* how chocolate became one of the world's favorite love tokens?
* how Cupid, hearts, Love Birds and Red Roses became associated with the day of courtship, mating and romance?
* if hiding the dried tongue of a turtle dove in a girl's room really get her to love you forever?
* what are some , humorous old-timey love potions?
* what is the fool proof aphrodisiac?
For the answers to these or any other fascinating St. Valentine's Day folklore questions, interview Dr. Donald Dossey, author of HOLIDAY FOLKLORE, PHOBIAS AND FUN: Mythical Origins, Scientific Treatments, and Superstitious "Cures. " An entertaining historian-folklorian, Dr. Dossey will share some of the superstitions, humorous rituals, and often hilarious recipes for attaining love.
VALENTINE'S DAY PHOBIAS
Sadly, this holiday of celebrating love and courtship also has a history of
bringing loneliness and pain to many. Amoraphobia, Katagelophobia and
Tropophobia; the most serious of the 30 phobias people suffer from around St.
Valentine' s Day. Dr. Dossey will offer some practical, yet fun-filled tips on
how to overcome these fears and entice another to say, "Will you be my
Valentine?"
Because he offers you more than one angle! Many are fascinated by the origins and humorous folklore superstitions of the holidays; others by the numerous phobias and stresses surrounding them. Many prefer both. Dr. Dossey has appeared on OPRAH WINFREY, numerous times on CNN, THE OTHER SIDE, and HARD COPY. He is the Holiday Superstition and Folklore Reporter, and is known as "the Will Rogers with a Ph.D."
TV safe slides and props available for your show.
AVAILABILITY: Travel nationwide by arrangement or by telephone.
CONTACT: Howard Geer, 828-258-13111 or drdossey@drdossey.com
1. Why was Feb. 14th. specifically chosen to be the holiday of love, romance and courtship?
2. Did it really get named from a martyr called Valentine or did he even exist?
3. How did cupid and his arrows piercing the heart, heart symbols, red roses and love birds become associated with St. Valentine's Day?
4. So, that's how love birds got connected to St. Valentine's Day. Why the dove specifically?
5. Why do we call the person we love "sweetheart" or my "honey?'
6. Is that where "vinegar valentines" or sayings like "he is sure bitter" come from?"
7. Where did the idea "carrying our hearts on our sleeves" originate?
8. Are "Love Apples" really apples? So, that's where "she's a hot tomato" originated isn't it?
9. Why is chocolate one of the world's favorite love tokens?
10. Is that why we often say "I'm 'crazy' about you?"
11. With all these good feelings around, why are so many people depressed and suicidal?
12. How are these fears different from the typical phobias?
13. Can people actually become addicted to loneliness, fear and unhappiness?
14. Do you think that these people need or should seek psychiatric or psychological help?
15. What are some folklore "cures" and love potion recipes you have found that have been used to attract and keep a sweetheart?
16. What advice do you have for people who want to get and keep a "Valentine?"
17. Can the Keying technique discussed in your book help couples maintain an ongoing relationship or make it even more joyful?
18. You don't think "honesty" is the best policy do you?
19. Can hiding the dried tongue of a turtle dove in a girl's room really get her to love you forever?
CONTACT: Howard Geer, Publicity 828-258-13111 or drdossey@drdossey.com