Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, and we are ready to shower our significant others with love and tokens of our affection. Unlike National Boyfriend Day, this day isn’t just for boyfriends — anyone and everyone can be shown some love today. This day of love is celebrated in so many ways, it is always exciting to see what new traditions are included or created year after year. Whether it is elaborate engagements, intimate dinners for two, spending time with family, or the most recent variation ‘Galentine’s Day’. Check out the amazing 50 Date ideas for this romantic occasion. It is a holiday we all can enjoy!
HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY
The believed origins are that it came from the feast for the patron saint named Valentine, by the Catholic Church in 496 AD. This was a way to overshadow and later replace the deemed brutal Pagan festival of Lupercalia. This festival was celebrated at the beginning of spring and paid homage to the Roman God of Agriculture, Faunus, on February 15. A goat and dog would be sacrificed symbolizing fertility and purity, respectively. This would then involve the hide of the goat being torn into strips, dipped in the sacrificial blood, and painted across the women and crops.
Despite there being many Valentines associated with the patron saint’s day, historians believe that the romanticized element of how Valentine’s Day is celebrated today came from a priest who was martyred by Emperor Claudis II Gothicus in around 270 CE. Varying stories talk about different St Valentines with some saying one was marrying couples in secret to prevent men going off to war, another healed the blind, and the next wrote a message to his daughter signed ‘your Valentine’. There is also a possibility that they could be the same person!
It was during the 1400s that the day was associated with romance. Messages, or ‘Valentines’ as they were called, began to appear. Handwritten letters and poems declaring the affection of love became more and more popular. In the mid-1800s, Valentine’s cards began to be commercially produced and traditional gifts were candy and flowers, especially red roses symbolizing love and beauty.
Today, Valentine’s Day has become inclusive of friends and family to show how much you care and love them. Companies have seized the opportunity to fit their products and services into the Valentine’s Day period to benefit from the sales boost, as it continues to grow each year.
VALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Make your card
Creating your personalized card is not only a thoughtful sentiment but also the way it was done in the days of old. You can also add a heartfelt poem, whether you write this yourself, or borrow one from any of the iconic love writers such as Yeats, Browning, or Shakespeare.
2.Plan a proposal to remember
Take your love to the next stage and surprise them with a proposal. Create an experience for lasting memories you will share, there is no better day than on the day of love! Depending on what is special for the both of you – plan a private meal or holiday, spell out a personal message in rose petals and candles, or visit the place you first met. Get your family and friends involved to share in this special moment and help plan your loved one’s dream proposal.
3.Create lasting memories
Extend your Valentine’s Day gift beyond February 14 by making a photo album of your time together. This can be time later spent going down memory lane, on a rainy day indoors, or anniversary. Include places you have explored together, nights out, and significant milestones in your relationship.
WHY WE LOVE VALENTINE’S DAY
A. The possibilities are endless
The day can be defined or redefined, as the individual wants it to be. Celebrations can be traditional flowers and chocolates, a public or private celebration, or your form of Valentine’s Day as to what it means to you.
B. Not just for couples
This holiday can be shared with friends and family relations too. It is an all-inclusive culture when celebrating Valentine’s Day. Why not send out multiple cards and messages to spread the love to all you know? Alternatively, you can be someone’s secret admirer.
C. Stretch the day into a week
If you do not believe a day is enough to show your loved ones how much you love them. You can celebrate the holiday from February 7 leading up to February 14. Each day has a specific meaning including Rose Day, Kiss Day, Promise Day, etc. You can build up the excitement toward a grand finale!
References:
“Valentine’s Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/valentines-day/