Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. It may have had beginnings in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the coming of spring and included fertility rites and other activities, but the origin of the holiday is vague at best. Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated every February 14; this year Valentine's Day falls on a Friday. Saint Valentine, who according to some sources is actually two distinct historical 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. Valentine's Day is a major source of economic activity, with total expenditures topping $18.2 billion in 2017, or over $136 per person. [101] In this article, we take a look at the various historical and cultural influences that have shaped Valentine’s Day. From the mysterious figure of Saint Valentine and the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia to the medieval traditions of courtly love and the commercialization of the holiday in the modern era, we explore how February 14th became the day to celebrate love. St. Valentine, a name that is synonymous with love and romance across the globe, lived at a time when the Roman Empire was at its zenith. He is often best remembered for the act of marrying couples in secret defiance of the Roman Emperor's bans. However, the truth about St. Valentine is far more complex, woven from a mixture of historical fragments, religious tradition, and folklore. This has Cupid—that winged baby boy often seen on Valentine's Day cards and paraphernalia—is another symbol of this love-filled holiday, and it's easy to understand why. In Roman mythology, Cupid was the son of Venus, goddess of love and beauty. Valentine's Day: Louisville Nature but the poet is also thought to be the source of our modern ideas about Valentine's Day, according to the New York Times. In a 1981 academic article, the 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. You might remember making Valentine's Day crafts at school or picking out cute Valentine's Day candy to share with classmates, but just how did these traditions The Feast of Saint Valentine, also known as Saint Valentine's Day, was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honour of the Christian martyr. [41] A shrine of Saint Valentine in Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland. February 14 is Saint Valentine's Day in the Lutheran calendar of saints. [12] 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.” Citizens were not terribly enthused about celebrating yet another Saint's Day, and Valentine's Day began to evolve into a celebration of love and marriage. The tradition of exchanging cards and tokens was continued, and during the height of courtly love, people began to select their own Valentine's mates. Valentine’s Day, in fact, originated as a liturgical feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. So, how did we get from beheading to betrothing on Valentine’s Day? Early origins of St. Valentine. Ancient sources reveal that there were several St. Valentines who died on Feb. 14. Valentine’s Day is for lovers — but you don’t need a romantic soulmate to celebrate. The holiday is a chance to consider just how rich, diverse and beneficial every form of love is in t Valentine's Day: Louisville Nature but the poet is also thought to be the source of our modern ideas about Valentine's Day, according to the New York Times. In a 1981 academic article, the The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre occurred in 1929 during the Prohibition era. Al Capone’s Chicago mob murdered seven members of Bugs Moran’s Irish gang. Al Capone’s hitman Frank Nitti, as he terrorized neighborhoods, was accompanied by the young Saul Alinsky, who later incorporated this into his political technique of “community Today is Valentine's Day, or St Valentine's Day. It's celebrated every year on 14 February. You can find out all about the day of love here. How the Valentine’s Day Heart Got Its Shape. 5 minute read. By Olivia B. Waxman. It is believed that the poem is the source of the idea that a person in love can “give” his or her heart Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with unique dining experiences. Several Silver Spring and Takoma Park restaurants will offer special menus featuring exclusive dishes on February 14. Some menus will extend throughout the week. Here are a few local restaurants with Valentine’s Day specials. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating. What Is Valentine's Day About? Needless to say, all of us know the answer to the question what is Valentine's day date?. It's February 14th. Almost all nations around the world have adopted the tradition of this celebration of love. Valentine's Day is a special occasion to express affection and admiration to our loved ones.
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