Wednesday 17th December 2008
Valentine's Day gives you ample opportunity to "wear your heart on your sleeve" a phrase that has its origins in the Middle Ages.
In 15th century England, the sport of jousting was as popular as football is today, with thousands of people turning up to witness what were fantastic spectacles.
Knights who took part could make their fortunes, but they could also be badly injured or indeed lose their lives.
It was the age of chivalry and a knight would often ask a woman to "favour" him in the contest. She could demonstrate her favour by giving her knight in shining armour her handkerchief, a piece of silk or even a detachable sleeve.
Such favours were then attached to the knight's lance, helmet or sleeve in what was a very public demonstration of affection - and from this we derive the saying "wear your heart on your sleeve".
Interestingly enough, as part of the celebrations for Valentine's Day in the Middle Ages, young men and women would traditionally draw names to see who their Valentine would be. The custom was to attach the name of your Valentine to your sleeve for one week for everybody to see. Another example of wearing your heart (or the heart of another) on your sleeve.
But it was William Shakespeare who first coined the phrase as anyone who read Othello at school should know. The treacherous Iago said "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at" in an attempt to feign openness.
So now if you choose to wear your heart on your sleeve this Valentine's Day you'll have the weight of English history behind you!