Valentine’s day is one of the most beloved holidays every year, it is a wonderful time to show your love and appreciation for the special person in your life. It is truly a day where love is in the air, for people of all ages. However, what most people do not know is that Valentine’s day has changed greatly from its beginnings. In this article, we will cover the expansive history of the holiday, as well as the major ways that the celebrations and traditions have changed over time.
The origins and history of Valentine’s day
Valentine’s Day is a special day to celebrate love and affection. The holiday has roots in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was held every February 15. Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. During the festival, boys would draw the names of girls from a jar and pair up for the duration of the festival. These matches often resulted in marriage.
Valentine’s day started off as a celebration of the early Christian martyr named Valentinus. He was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were not allowed to marry. While in prison, it is said that he healed the daughter of his jailor from blindness. Upon his execution, he left her a note signed “Your Valentine” which is where the tradition of signed Valentines began.
The holiday remained relatively unknown until Geoffrey Chaucer wrote “Parlement of Foules” in 1381. In it, he linked St. Valentine’s day with the concept of courtly love. From there, the holiday became more popular and traditions such as gift-giving and exchanging cards began.
One of the most popular symbols of Valentine’s day is the heart. It is said to represent the beating heart of Jesus. Another tradition that has become very popular is giving flowers, specifically roses. Roses represent love and appreciation, making them the perfect gift for Valentine’s day.
In the 5th century AD, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. It is believed that Gelasius chose February 14 because it was the day when birds began to mate. The holiday was then associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages. By the 15th century, it was common for lovers to exchange handwritten love letters and small gifts on Valentine’s Day.
In the United States, Esther Howland is credited with sending the first mass-produced Valentine’s cards. Howland, a Mount Holyoke College graduate, began selling her hand-made Valentine cards in the 1840s. Her designs included lace, ribbons, and images of cupids and flowers.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. People exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and other Valentine’s day gifts to express their love and affection. Many restaurants and hotels offer special meals and deals for couples on this special day.
How has Valentine’s day changed over time?
Valentine’s day has changed quite a bit over the years. The holiday used to be associated with fertility and marriage, but now it is primarily seen as a day for couples to express their love for each other. In the past, people would exchange handwritten love letters and small gifts, but nowadays it is more common to give cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts. Restaurants and hotels often offer special meals and deals for couples on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s day has come a long way from its early beginnings. It is now a holiday that is celebrated all over the world by people of all ages. Whether you are in a relationship or not, Valentine’s day is a great time to show your loved ones how much you care about them. So go out and enjoy the holiday!
