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.
Lupercalia was an ancient festival near the city of Rome. It was originally held by shipyards to honor Lupercus, a fertility god around February 13-15. This festival lasted well into Christian times before it was abolished by Pope Gelasius near the end of the 5th century.
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 traditions in Denmark and Norway are less commercial and more personal than in the West. Valentine's Day is called Valentinsdag and is still celebrated on Feb 14th. Traditions include having a romantic dinner or sending a rose or a card to a loved one.
Valentine's Day in Iran is still celebrated in spite of some government restrictions. The celebration is called Sepandarmazgan and is celebrated on February 17th. The tradition is becoming more common among younger Iranian girls and boys.
Valentine's Day cards were first mass produced in Worchester, Massachusetts. Esther Howland, daughter of the owner of a book and stationary store was inspired by an English valentine she received. The popularity of St. Valentine's Day increased rapidly shortly thereafter.
The second half of the 20th century witnessed an expansion of the Valentine's Day traditions. Gifts, primarily cards, expanded to flowers and candy. Popular Valentine's Day gifts now include roses and chocolates, often in a red heart-shaped box. - 15266
Lupercalia was an ancient festival near the city of Rome. It was originally held by shipyards to honor Lupercus, a fertility god around February 13-15. This festival lasted well into Christian times before it was abolished by Pope Gelasius near the end of the 5th century.
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 traditions in Denmark and Norway are less commercial and more personal than in the West. Valentine's Day is called Valentinsdag and is still celebrated on Feb 14th. Traditions include having a romantic dinner or sending a rose or a card to a loved one.
Valentine's Day in Iran is still celebrated in spite of some government restrictions. The celebration is called Sepandarmazgan and is celebrated on February 17th. The tradition is becoming more common among younger Iranian girls and boys.
Valentine's Day cards were first mass produced in Worchester, Massachusetts. Esther Howland, daughter of the owner of a book and stationary store was inspired by an English valentine she received. The popularity of St. Valentine's Day increased rapidly shortly thereafter.
The second half of the 20th century witnessed an expansion of the Valentine's Day traditions. Gifts, primarily cards, expanded to flowers and candy. Popular Valentine's Day gifts now include roses and chocolates, often in a red heart-shaped box. - 15266
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