Two centuries after Valentine’s death, Pope Gelasius became the head of the Catholic Church, and decreed that February 14 th should be Valentine’s Day. By now, the uprising of Christianity had well and truly gotten rid of the Lupercalia festivals, so everybody could concentrate on the day of love during this month. Valentine’s Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century. Why the history of Valentine's Day is so complicated Learn how St. Valentine, an ancient Roman festival, and the poet Geoffrey Chaucer all contribute to the history of Valentine's Day. Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated every February 14; this year Valentine's Day falls on a Friday. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts The origin of Valentine’s Day is a rich tapestry of history, mythology, and cultural evolution. From the legend of Saint Valentine and the ancient festival of Lupercalia to the influence of Geoffrey Chaucer and the rise of commercialized celebrations, February 14th has become a day dedicated to love and affection. A Brief History of Saint Valentine’s Day. Reading time: 5 minutes When one hears the word “Valentine”, many things may spring to mind, but the feeling of love is sure to be among them; from greeting cards, chocolates, romantic dinners, and anonymous declarations of amorous affection, Valentine’s Day has indeed become an entrenched part of many Western cultures. History of Valentine’s Day in the U.S. A brief history of Ancient Athens and how it became the birthplace of Western Civilization. March 23, 2024. Follow: A Brief History of the Valentine’s Day Card An ornate Victorian-era Valentine’s Day card (1860-1880). Source: Wikimedia Commons The earliest known Valentine’s Day card was sent in 1477 by Margery Brews, an Englishwoman from Norfolk, to her cousin John Paston, in which she affectionately addressed him as “my right well beloved Valentine.” Everyone loves a good love story, but the history of Valentine's Day is a bit different from the romanticized version of the holiday recognized today. While February 14 is widely celebrated with sweet Valentine's Day treats, heartfelt Valentine's Day gifts, and romantic dinners, few people are familiar with the holiday's true origins. The history of Valentine's Day can be traced back to ancient Roman and Christian traditions, evolving over centuries into the celebration of love and affection that we recognize today. Despite its commercialization, many people view Valentine's Day as an opportunity to express their love and appreciation for their partners, friends, and family members. Pagan Origins The commercialisation of Valentine’s Day. In the mid-19th century the Valentine’s card travelled across the Atlantic. Cards rapidly gained popularity in America, where they were initially advertised as a British fashion. Advanced American technologies meant that more elaborate cards were produced cheaply, encouraging their popularity yet One reply on “A brief history of Valentine’s Day” Pingback: A brief history of Valentine’s Day - 24Talker. Comments are closed. Most Recent. A brief history of Valentine's Day. Updated: Feb. 14, 2011, The history of Valentine's Day is a bit murky. In the late fifth century, it replaced a Roman fertility festival on the same date. the day of his death, February 14, 269, he wrote the girl Make Love Not War: A History of Valentine’s Day A brief history of the origins of this day will lead us to refl ect on the different kinds of love and how we grow in Christlike love. Valentine would meet privately with couples in candlelit rooms where he whispered the words Valentine’s day gives us a chance to recognize these unique relationships. But how did our current-day traditions begin? Following is a brief history of Valentine’s Day: Lupercalia Was an Ancient Roman Festival Although many people believe that Valentine’s Day began with the legend of Saint Valentine, the celebration itself has pagan roots. Valentine’s Day, or more accurately, Saint Valentine’s Day, (or the Feast of Saint Valentine) began as a liturgical festival celebrating the life of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. According to early church history, there were several martyrs who went by the name Valentinus, but there are three specifically celebrated A day dedicated to love, affection, and romance, Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for centuries. The history of this special day is fascinating, and its evolution from an ancient pagan festival to a worldwide celebration of love is truly remarkable. Originally people wrote notes. In the 18th century, they began making Valentine’s Day cards. In 1849 the box of chocolates was introduced. The first box of chocolates in a heart-shaped box for St Valentine’s Day was sold in 1861. On St Valentine’s Day in 1859, Oregon became the 33rd state of the USA. On 14 February 1876, the telephone was The first Valentine’s Day card was believed to be sold in 1840 by Esther Howland, also known as The Mother of the Valentine, and today it is estimated that over 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards Valentine's Day was also an opportunity for pranks and frolic, and some of the best evidence of Valentine's Day merriment, expectations, and expence comes from diarist Samuel Pepys: Thursday, 14th February 1661 14th (Valentine's day). Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty. But the origins of this festival of candy and cupids are actually dark, bloody — and a bit muddled.
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