A scold-free day

Scripps Howard: There seems to be no national observance that some social scold or other doesn't find too commercial, too religious, too chauvinist, too steeped in pagan origin or insufficiently inclusive.
Surprisingly, the scolds generally leave Valentine's Day alone. Maybe even these redoubtable faultfinders find it hard to fault a celebration of the joys of love and affection.
Indubitably, the day is named after a Catholic saint, a martyred third-century Roman priest, but it is not a big deal on the church calendar. Legend has it that Valentine was executed for performing weddings in defiance of an imperial decree prohibiting men of military age from marrying. While in prison he struck up a friendship with the jailer's young daughter and left behind a farewell letter signed, "From your Valentine."
Pagan origins
And the day does indeed have pagan origins. It is the eve of the Roman feast of Lupercalia, celebrating women and fertility.
As with so many other holidays, Valentine's Day puttered through the ages in low-key fashion until we got a hold of it. In the 1830s and 1840s, a young woman in Massachusetts named Elizabeth Howland began producing the first commercial valentines. We haven't looked back.
We will spend about $1 billion each on cards and candy. It is the best day of the year for the cut-flower business. The National Retail Federation says the average love-struck male will spend more than $125 to please his valentine.
And, too, the rest of the world tends to emulate the American way of holidays, but, sadly, this hasn't been well-received everywhere. India's national scolds, Hindu chauvinists, are threatening to shave the heads of couples caught celebrating Valentine's Day, according to the Associated Press, which says many Indians plan to do so anyway.
In solidarity with those plucky young lovers, do wish each other, as we wish you, Happy Valentine's Day!