History of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a holiday observed on February 14 each year. The day is celebrated in many countries around the world and is associated with the themes of love and romance. However, the origins of Valentine’s Day are somewhat shrouded in mystery, and there is no consensus among historians as to exactly how the holiday came to be. (History of Valentine’s Day)
One theory is that Valentine’s Day has its roots in ancient Roman festivals. The Romans celebrated a festival called Lupercalia in mid-February, which was believed to be a fertility festival. During Lupercalia, young men would draw the names of women from a box, and the couple would then be paired together for the duration of the festival. Some historians believe that this festival may have been the precursor to Valentine’s Day, as it also involved the exchange of gifts and romantic gestures. Lupercalia was celebrated on the 15th of February, it was a pagan festival that celebrated love, fertility and purification. It was a time when men and women would come together, in a sort of matchmaking activity, with the hopes of finding a romantic partner.
Another theory is that Valentine’s Day is rooted in Christian tradition. There are several Saint Valentines recognized by the Catholic Church, but the most popular one is Saint Valentine of Rome. He was a priest who lived in the third century AD, during a time when the Roman Empire was still heavily persecuting Christians.
According to legend, Saint Valentine was imprisoned and eventually executed for refusing to renounce his faith. It is said that while he was in prison, he performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer, and that he sent her a letter signed “Your Valentine” before his execution. This story is believed to be the origin of the phrase “Your Valentine” and the tradition of sending love letters on Valentine’s Day.
Another Saint Valentine is said to have been a bishop of Terni, Italy, who was also martyred in the 3rd century. He is said to have performed marriages for Christian couples in secret, during a time when the Roman Empire banned marriages for young men.
It wasn’t until the 14th and 15th century that Valentine’s Day began to take on its modern form. The poet Chaucer is credited with linking the day to romantic love in his poem “The Parliament of Fowls” in the 14th century. He wrote: “For this was on seynt Volantynys day / Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.” (For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird comes there to choose his mate).
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine’s Day became more popular and commercialized. The first Valentine’s Day cards were printed in the 1700s, and by the early 1800s, people were sending mass-produced cards to their loved ones. The first Valentine’s Day candy boxes were also produced in the 1800s, and by the early 1900s, Valentine’s Day had become an important holiday for the candy and flower industries.
Valentine’s Day is now celebrated in many countries around the world, and it is associated with the exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts between loved ones. Some people also celebrate Valentine’s Day as a way to express appreciation for friends and family. The holiday has become a major commercial success, with many businesses and organizations using it as an opportunity to promote their products and services.
Despite the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, the holiday remains an important cultural and social event. Many people use the day to express their love and affection for their partners, friends, and family members. (History of Valentine’s Day)
Read Also –
- Best romantic place for Valentine Day.
- Best travel place in Ranchi (Lover’s Point Ranchi).