The number and variety of stories and tales concerning the origin of Valentine's Day will make your head spin. Some say it began as a feast or festival in ancient Rome. Others say it's based on one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The idea of romantic love being associated with Valentines Day came much later, possibly from Chaucer in the era of courtly love. Here are a few of the more interesting tales.
Lupercalia was an ancient festival near the city of Rome. It was originally held by shipyards to honor Lupercus, a fertility god around February 13-15. This festival lasted well into Christian times before it was abolished by Pope Gelasius near the end of the 5th century.
Roman Emperor Claudius II was involved in several bloody campaigns and needed more soldiers. The men however, were reluctant to join. Claudius believed the problem was the men didn't want to leave their families and wives. Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements as a result. Valentine, a local priest, continued to marry couples, however. Valentine's defiance was eventually discovered and he was put to death. Afterwards he was named a Saint.
The oldest valentine still in existence is housed in the manuscript collection in the British Library in London England. It was written by Charles, the Duke of Orleans to his wife. He had been captured at the Battle of Agincourt and was being held in the Tower of London.
In much of South America, Love and Friendship day is quite popular and celebrated on February 14th. While it's somewhat similar to the U.S. celebration, people also perform acts of appreciation for their friends. In Brazil, however, June 12th is Boyfriends/Girlfriends day. Couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets.
Valentine traditions in Denmark and Norway are less commercial and more personal than in the West. Valentine's Day is called Valentinsdag and is still celebrated on Feb 14th. Traditions include having a romantic dinner or sending a rose or a card to a loved one.
In spite of some government restrictions, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Iran. Their celebration is called Sepandarmazgan and the date used is February 17th. The buying and exchanging of gifts is more common among younger Iranian boys and girls.
The practice of sending Valentine cards existed in the middle 1800's. Esther Howland, whose father owned a stationary and book store, received an English valentine card. As a result, she was inspired to create her own of embossed lace which was then mass produced. Shortly thereafter, Valentine's Day became a popular national holiday.
Valentine's Day traditions in Western culture call for expressions of love symbolized by cards and gifts. The older tradition of giving Valentines Day cards has been slowly expanded to gifts of all kinds over the past several decades. Traditional gifts include flowers, especially roses, and chocolates, often in a heart-shaped box.
Lupercalia was an ancient festival near the city of Rome. It was originally held by shipyards to honor Lupercus, a fertility god around February 13-15. This festival lasted well into Christian times before it was abolished by Pope Gelasius near the end of the 5th century.
Roman Emperor Claudius II was involved in several bloody campaigns and needed more soldiers. The men however, were reluctant to join. Claudius believed the problem was the men didn't want to leave their families and wives. Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements as a result. Valentine, a local priest, continued to marry couples, however. Valentine's defiance was eventually discovered and he was put to death. Afterwards he was named a Saint.
The oldest valentine still in existence is housed in the manuscript collection in the British Library in London England. It was written by Charles, the Duke of Orleans to his wife. He had been captured at the Battle of Agincourt and was being held in the Tower of London.
In much of South America, Love and Friendship day is quite popular and celebrated on February 14th. While it's somewhat similar to the U.S. celebration, people also perform acts of appreciation for their friends. In Brazil, however, June 12th is Boyfriends/Girlfriends day. Couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets.
Valentine traditions in Denmark and Norway are less commercial and more personal than in the West. Valentine's Day is called Valentinsdag and is still celebrated on Feb 14th. Traditions include having a romantic dinner or sending a rose or a card to a loved one.
In spite of some government restrictions, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Iran. Their celebration is called Sepandarmazgan and the date used is February 17th. The buying and exchanging of gifts is more common among younger Iranian boys and girls.
The practice of sending Valentine cards existed in the middle 1800's. Esther Howland, whose father owned a stationary and book store, received an English valentine card. As a result, she was inspired to create her own of embossed lace which was then mass produced. Shortly thereafter, Valentine's Day became a popular national holiday.
Valentine's Day traditions in Western culture call for expressions of love symbolized by cards and gifts. The older tradition of giving Valentines Day cards has been slowly expanded to gifts of all kinds over the past several decades. Traditional gifts include flowers, especially roses, and chocolates, often in a heart-shaped box.
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