It’s that time of year again when the hearts and flowers come out, candy canes are in stock, and red is especially prevalent. But don’t be fooled by this frivolous fad; what started out as a Roman festival to honor Venus has now grown into an extravagant holiday that celebrates love in all shapes, forms, physical appearance, gender identities, sexual orientation and monetary worth. A holiday that is designed to remind us that we are surrounded by love, and those who hate are just misinformed.
In early February, the feast of Lupercalia was celebrated, during which matches were arranged between young women and men. The festival originated in Ancient Rome as a religious celebration and festival in honour of the god Lupercus. During the celebrations, priests of the cult would strike, purifying bloody whips upon naked youths and young women who waited for their match to come forward for a pairing.
During the feast of Lupercalia in Ancient Rome, matches were arranged between young women and men. This is where the tradition of sending Valentines began. Leaflets with names were placed around town to indicate an interest in someone. During that day, they would be free to meet and get together with whomever they choose based on these name placements. The name placements were called ‘registers’. This practice started out in France, Italy, and Spain, where eventually the term ‘Valentine’ was born. The Valentines that were exchanged were a reminder to those who received them that they were loved and adored.
There’s no better time than now to show how much you love your partner, by buying them an Anniversary Gifts by Year. It will be something they’ll never forget and always cherish!
When is Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated on February 14 each year. The festival celebrates love and friendship, and is often viewed as a time to show appreciation for those who are near and dear to us. Originally a pagan holiday, the Catholic Church made it into a religious feast day by Pope Gelasius I in the late 5th century AD. The day was named by Pope Gelasius after the Roman god of love and fertility.
For centuries, February 14 was a day when lovers would exchange tokens of affection. Valentine’s Day cards were often sent to express love or friendship in the form of flowers, candy, chocolate and gifts. But while these tokens of affection are certainly romantic and sweet, they’ve also become increasingly commercialised and expensive. In the 20th century, Valentine’s Day has evolved into a popular holiday that is celebrated with flowers, candy, cards and gifts. In fact, the phrase “celebrate Valentine’s Day” is now synonymous with “celebrating romance.
Who was Saint Valentine? (And what does he have to do with chocolate hearts?)
Valentine’s Day is a time for love and romance, but it also remembers a religious martyr and bishop named Valentine. Saint Valentine was born early in the 3rd century AD in what is now Turkey. A Roman priest, he was imprisoned because his teachings were contrary to those of Emperor Claudius II, who decreed that single men make better soldiers than those with wives and children. In jail, Saint Valentine continued preaching about Christianity to his fellow prisoners. A young and beautiful woman named Valentine befriended him. The two married, and Valentine was released from jail.
In 371, Emperor Valentinian ordered the slaughter of a large number of Christians because he thought they were plotting his downfall. Since Saint Valentine refused to kill anyone, he was jailed again. However, he was released by the faithful prayers of one of his fellow inmates.
Saint Valentine continued to preach peacefully in Rome until the year 385 when he was arrested yet again. When he was about to be executed, someone came to the jail and said that he should go visit a group of Christians who were staying at the home of a priest named Valentine. The jailer believed it was a ruse, but Saint Valentine ran out of the jail and went to meet his friends. He said to them that he had business with a man named Valentinus, who was at their church. This time, they believed him and let him go.
What is the meaning of Valentine’s Day?
The day of love and abundance features symbolisms pertaining to romantic love and self-sacrifice. It is an occasion for friends and family members to be affectionate with one another, exchange gifts of warmth and affection, express their feelings for each other through words or in cards, and share meals. The traditional color associated with the day is pink due to its association with romantic love.
The custom of sending cards originated in the early 14th century, as valentines were exchanged by young noblemen who fell in love with their companions or family members. It is said that the practice of sending cards to strangers evolved later. Valentine’s Day was not established as a public holiday in many countries until the early 20th century. In some cultures, Valentine’s Day has become an occasion for giving and receiving gifts and flowers—a practice that often includes children collecting candy or greeting cards on the day to share with friends and family members.
