Valentine’s Day 2023: February 14 may seem like another random winter date to the uninitiated, but that’s rarely the case for couples and lovebirds. February 14 has become synonymous with the day of love and is celebrated annually around the world as Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine. The last and most important day of the Week of Love, Valentine’s Day, marks the sacrifice and message of Valentine’s Day to spread and honor love in society. This day is a great opportunity to express love and gratitude towards your partner.
Happy Valentine’s Day馃槏馃槏馃槏Let there be love and nothing but love鉂わ笍
– Shekhar Suman (@shekharsuman7)
February 14, 2023
People shower each other with gifts, letters, flowers, and other means of affection to show their love. There is widespread shopping, partying and romance everywhere. All in all, February 14, also known as Valentine’s Day, is a happy occasion, at least for those in a relationship.
But do you know why Valentine’s Day is celebrated and why it falls on February 14 instead of any other day? The history of Valentine’s Day is quite dark, yes. It is nothing like the wonderful celebration we enjoyed on February 14th. Dive in to learn the history behind Valentine’s Day.
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Who was Valentine’s Day?
Image source: History.com
Valentine’s Day owes its name to the legend of Saint Valentine, who lived in ancient Rome. However, there are several different saints named Valentine recognized by the Catholic Church, and all were martyred for committing acts considered treasonous or illegal or for refusing to renounce Christianity.
However, it is two Valentines that serve as the most likely inspiration for February 14 being celebrated as Valentine’s Day, and both are believed to have been executed on February 14 in 3rd century Rome by the Emperor Claudius II.
The first Valentine was a priest during the time of Claudius II, when the Emperor decreed that unmarried men were better soldiers than married men and forbade all young men to marry. Valentine continued to marry people, allowing them to escape service in the military and live a life of prosperity. When the Emperor found out, he ordered Valentine’s execution. However, this story is questioned by historians.
Another legend claims that Saint Valentine helped persecuted Christians in Rome and was imprisoned for doing so. There, Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer and converted his entire family to Christianity. He also wrote the first Valentine’s letter to the girl, signing it “from your Valentine” and thus beginning the tradition of Valentine’s messages.
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Image source: CBN
The second person believed to be Saint Valentine was a bishop of Terni who was also martyred by Emperor Claudius II. Valentine earned a reputation for performing miracles, healing citizens, and evangelizing. When he attempted to convert the Emperor to Christianity, he was given the option of renouncing his faith or dying. Valentine refused to convert and was beheaded.
Historians question the true identity of Valentine’s Day. Many believe that all the legends refer to the same person, but the different legends about Valentine’s Day continue to create confusion. The only verifiable fact is that there was someone called Saint Valentine, a heroic, gentle and kind soul who was executed in 270 AD
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Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14?
Image source: History.com
Have you ever wondered what is so special about February 14? Why is Valentine’s Day only celebrated on February 14 and not any other day of the year? Again, there are multiple reasons to choose February 14 to commemorate Valentine’s Day.
Some say the date marks the death or burial of Saint Valentine, while others maintain that the holiday originated to Christianize the pagan Roman festival of Lupercalia.
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Christianity spread throughout Europe beginning in the 1st century, and the Roman Empire was at the forefront. The rituals and customs of Rome were considered pagan, and by the 4th century, Christianity had become the official religion of Rome. However, Lupercalia, a pagan festival celebrating fertility, endured through the years and was celebrated every year on February 15. Some historians believe that Valentine’s Day originated in Lupercalia and only shares its name with a martyred Christian saint.
When was February 14 declared Valentine’s Day?
According to renowned historian Noel Lenski, the Lupercalia tradition continued to thrive even with the rise of Christianity. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I added Saint Valentine to the calendar of saints and declared a festival in his honor to be celebrated each year on February 14.
However, centuries had to pass before Valentine’s Day became the festival of love and reached the language of all lovebirds. The first Valentine’s Day card dates back to 1415. It was sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Image source: History.com
With the advent of books and increasing literacy rate, the habit of writing letters gained importance among people. During wars, people communicated with loved ones mainly through letters. Soon after, the tradition became popular, and by the 20th century, Valentine’s Day cards were mass produced. Poets and writers such as Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer further popularized the day as a romantic celebration in the Middle Ages.
How is Valentine’s Day celebrated?
The most common way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is by exchanging gifts and writing heartfelt letters to the couple. You can write anything as long as it is serious and affectionate. In the United States, Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas as the holiday with the most cards sent. Other Valentine’s Day customs include going out, watching romantic movies, treating your partner to lavish dinners or expensive gifts, etc.
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn