Today, which many people all over the world and also in Singapore will celebrate as 'Valentine's Day', is the feast day of St Valentine. He was a priest and martyr, executed on Feb 14. Here, we are told that he is the patron saint of 'affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travellers (and) young people'. I suppose this day has become what it is partly because of some of the things on that list. Now, if people over the years had chosen to focus on the 'bee keepers' or 'fainting' parts instead, I wonder what we today would be celebrating in a commercialised way!
Anyhow, I have found this translation of a Goethe love poem which is quoted in Wedding. In this translation, the poem is rather unromantically entitled 'Proximity of the Beloved One'.
I think of thee, whene'er the sun his beams o'er ocean flings;
I think of thee, whene'er the moonlight gleams in silv'ry springs.
I see thee, when upon the distant ridge the dust awakes;
At midnight's hour, when on the fragile bridge the wanderer quakes.
I hear thee, when yon billows rise on high, with murmur deep.
To tread the silent grove oft wander I, when all's asleep.
I'm near thee, though thou far away mayst be-- Thou, too, art near!
The sun then sets, the stars soon lighten me.
Would thou wert here!
Anyhow, I have found this translation of a Goethe love poem which is quoted in Wedding. In this translation, the poem is rather unromantically entitled 'Proximity of the Beloved One'.
I think of thee, whene'er the sun his beams o'er ocean flings;
I think of thee, whene'er the moonlight gleams in silv'ry springs.
I see thee, when upon the distant ridge the dust awakes;
At midnight's hour, when on the fragile bridge the wanderer quakes.
I hear thee, when yon billows rise on high, with murmur deep.
To tread the silent grove oft wander I, when all's asleep.
I'm near thee, though thou far away mayst be-- Thou, too, art near!
The sun then sets, the stars soon lighten me.
Would thou wert here!
(I have a little problem with how line 4 fits in, but never mind...)
Actually, I kind of like this kind of old-fashioned mushy love poetry. The teacher of a couple of the characters in the show introduced it to them as the poem to recite during a wedding proposal. I don't know if something is lost in the translation to Korean but isn't this a 'separation' (and therefore sad) love poem? It's weird that they are all quoting it left, right and centre. It's like playing that famous 'separation' love song, 'I will always love you' at weddings!
Actually, I kind of like this kind of old-fashioned mushy love poetry. The teacher of a couple of the characters in the show introduced it to them as the poem to recite during a wedding proposal. I don't know if something is lost in the translation to Korean but isn't this a 'separation' (and therefore sad) love poem? It's weird that they are all quoting it left, right and centre. It's like playing that famous 'separation' love song, 'I will always love you' at weddings!
OK lah, let me not begrudge anyone their celebrations or poetry recitation. It is sad enough that only 7 out of 10 people believe that marriage is forever.
Comments
What's the photo for? Don't get it. Can't make out what's the picture.
Ha ha, not a great choice of picture, huh?
Would you like to take a look at these. Feel free to use any of them plus the rest.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69528240@N00/392079512/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69528240@N00/392079516/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69528240@N00/392079521/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69528240@N00/392079525/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69528240@N00/392079528/