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.
An ancient pre-Roman festival, Lupercalia, was celebrated every year to honor Lupercus, a god of fertility. It was celebrated sometime between February 13-15 near the city of Rome. Originally a festival of shipyards, it lasted until the 5th century when Pope Gelasius abolished it.
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.
A poem written by Charles the Duke of Orleans is considered the oldest valentine still in existence. Charles wrote the poem to his wife when imprisoned in the Tower of London. This document is part of the collection of the British Library in London England.
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's Day in both Denmark and Norway is celebrated on February 14th and called Valentinsdag. But the traditions are much less commercial. Valentine traditions in these countries center on having a quiet romantic dinner with their partner or sending a card or a rose 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.
In the late 1840's the first mass-produced Valentine cards were produced by Esther Howland in Worchester, Massachusetts. Esther's cards, made of embossed paper lace were inspired by English valentines. By the early 1850's, one writer claimed that St. Valentine's Day had become a national holiday.
In Western culture the Valentine's Day tradition is for lovers to express their love by giving flowers, cards or candy. The practice of giving Valentines Day cards was expanded to all types of gifts during the last 50 years. Gifts such as roses or chocolates are now common.
An ancient pre-Roman festival, Lupercalia, was celebrated every year to honor Lupercus, a god of fertility. It was celebrated sometime between February 13-15 near the city of Rome. Originally a festival of shipyards, it lasted until the 5th century when Pope Gelasius abolished it.
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.
A poem written by Charles the Duke of Orleans is considered the oldest valentine still in existence. Charles wrote the poem to his wife when imprisoned in the Tower of London. This document is part of the collection of the British Library in London England.
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's Day in both Denmark and Norway is celebrated on February 14th and called Valentinsdag. But the traditions are much less commercial. Valentine traditions in these countries center on having a quiet romantic dinner with their partner or sending a card or a rose 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.
In the late 1840's the first mass-produced Valentine cards were produced by Esther Howland in Worchester, Massachusetts. Esther's cards, made of embossed paper lace were inspired by English valentines. By the early 1850's, one writer claimed that St. Valentine's Day had become a national holiday.
In Western culture the Valentine's Day tradition is for lovers to express their love by giving flowers, cards or candy. The practice of giving Valentines Day cards was expanded to all types of gifts during the last 50 years. Gifts such as roses or chocolates are now common.
About the Author:
A-Bow-K, Florist and Gifts, is a well-known Tampa florist. They've been delivering Valentine flowers for 25 successful years. Send fresh flowers to those you care about in Tampa and neighboring areas.
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