There are a dizzying number of legends and stories of the origins of Valentines Day. It may have begun as a feast in ancient Rome, or based on one or two early Christian martyrs. The romantic connection could have begun sometime in the middle ages in the tradition of courtly love with a poem by Geoffery Chaucer. The following are some of the more recognized stories.
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.
During the reign of Claudius II, Emperor of Rome, several wars were being fought. Many men however failed to join the army. Claudius felt their wives and families were the cause, so he banned both marriages and engagements. At the time, a priest named Valentines married couples in spite of the ban. When Valentine was discovered he was put to death, and afterwards, named a Saint.
The oldest existing valentine was written by the Duke of Orleans to his wife. The poem was written to his wife while he was in prison in the Tower of London, following capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The poem still exists and is housed in the British Library in London.
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.
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.
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.
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. - 16732
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.
During the reign of Claudius II, Emperor of Rome, several wars were being fought. Many men however failed to join the army. Claudius felt their wives and families were the cause, so he banned both marriages and engagements. At the time, a priest named Valentines married couples in spite of the ban. When Valentine was discovered he was put to death, and afterwards, named a Saint.
The oldest existing valentine was written by the Duke of Orleans to his wife. The poem was written to his wife while he was in prison in the Tower of London, following capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The poem still exists and is housed in the British Library in London.
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.
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.
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.
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. - 16732
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