Valentine’s Day is mostly associated with love and romance. It is a day for lovers and romantic couples. How did it began and how did it become what it is now?
Valentine’s Day is celebrated by millions of people all over the world. The celebration falls on the 14th of February. On this day, lovers celebrate and show their love to each other by giving gifts and cards and perhaps by having a romantic dinner or a romantic getaway. What is the real meaning of Valentine’s Day? Why is it celebrated every fourteenth of February and what is the history behind this celebration?
Meaning of Valentine’s Day
Perhaps the first things that come to the minds of people when they hear the words Valentine’s Day are Cupid and his arrows as well as chocolates and candies packed in heart-shaped boxes. They may also picture a bunch of flowers as well as dinner dates among lovers. Valentine’s Day has been a celebration of love and affection particularly among romantically involved individuals. For centuries, it has taken a meaning of love and romance between two consenting adults or romantically involved individuals. It has long been associated with love, passion and affection.
Origin of Valentine’s Day
Centuries ago, the celebration of Valentine’s Day was not like how it is celebrated right now. The history of this day of hearts can be traced back thousands of years ago, during the time of ancient Rome. The term Valentine’s Day has been said to have been derived from the name of the martyr priest, St. Valentine, who was beheaded on the 14th of February.
Originally, the celebration was called Lupercalia, a Roman festival celebration of romance done in the honor of Juno and Pan. Lupercalia was a pagan practice and was met with disapproval by the Catholic Pope during that time. It was not until the fifth century that Lupercalia was changed and made into Valentine’s Day. The emphasis placed on love still remained on the celebration but instead of having this celebration in honor of the Roman gods, it was changed to honor St. Valentine.
The celebration of Lupercalia originally falls on the 15th of February but was later changed to February 14. Until now, February 14 continues to be the date for the celebration of Valentine’s Day. The history of Valentine’s Day continues to be based on theory and legends as there are no documents in the archives that could back the truthfulness of the story behind the celebration.
The Story of St. Valentine
Valentine was a priest in Rome during the reign of Claudius II. During that time, marriage between couples were strictly prohibited. The prohibition arose from the the emperor’s belief that married men would not make good soldiers as they were emotionally attached to their families. At that time, extreme crisis and chaos hit Rome and there was need for more soldiers. Claudius believed that banning marriage would make men better soldiers. The decree was met with disapproval by the people but they were helpless against the emperor’s will.
But the people who wanted to marry found an ally in Valentine. Secretly, Valentine performed marriage ceremonies to young couples. Not long afterwards, Valentine’s secret deeds reached the ears of the emperor. Claudius was furious and he had Valentine arrested. Even in prison, Valentine continued his Christian deeds. He preached the gospel and tried to convert his fellow prisoners. He also made friends with the jailer’s daughter, a blind girl who was said to have been healed by Valentine.
Valentine was very successful with his efforts and was able to convert many inside the prison. He even attempted to convert the emperor, an act which angered Claudius so much. Claudius had Valentine executed and the schedule of his excution fell on the 14th of February. On that day, Valentine died as a Christian martyr. It is said that before he died, Valentine wrote a farewell letter which he signed with the words “From your Valentine”. In honor of his martyrdom and patriotism to Christianity, the Christian church named Valentine a saint and made February 14 of every year a commemoration of his death and martrydom.
Valentine’s Day Then and Now
In 18th century England, people celebrated Valentine’s Day with gift-giving or card-giving. Handmade Valentine cards decorated with ribbons, lace and hearts were popularly exchanged among young lovers. Until now, lovers still give each other gifts and Valentine cards to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
