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.
Another story concerns the reign of Emperor Claudius II. This Emperor needed soldiers to fight wars and believed men failed to join his army because they didn't want to leave their wives and families. So Claudius outlawed marriages and engagements. A priest named Valentine continued to marry couples. Valentine was discovered and 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 South America, customs vary. Brazil has Boyfriends/Girlfriends day on June 12th when gifts, flowers, cards and chocolates are exchanged. In Guatemala and through out much of South America February 14th is Love and Friendship day and quite popular. Similar to our version of Valentines Day, many people also offer acts of appreciation for friend.
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.
The practice of sending Valentine cards existed in the middle 1800's. Esther Howland, whose father owned a stationary and book store, received an English valentine card. As a result, she was inspired to create her own of embossed lace which was then mass produced. Shortly thereafter, Valentine's Day became a popular 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.
Another story concerns the reign of Emperor Claudius II. This Emperor needed soldiers to fight wars and believed men failed to join his army because they didn't want to leave their wives and families. So Claudius outlawed marriages and engagements. A priest named Valentine continued to marry couples. Valentine was discovered and 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 South America, customs vary. Brazil has Boyfriends/Girlfriends day on June 12th when gifts, flowers, cards and chocolates are exchanged. In Guatemala and through out much of South America February 14th is Love and Friendship day and quite popular. Similar to our version of Valentines Day, many people also offer acts of appreciation for friend.
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.
The practice of sending Valentine cards existed in the middle 1800's. Esther Howland, whose father owned a stationary and book store, received an English valentine card. As a result, she was inspired to create her own of embossed lace which was then mass produced. Shortly thereafter, Valentine's Day became a popular 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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