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 Roman, or possibly pre-Roman festival celebrated every year to honor Lupercus, the god of fertility. It was originally a shepherd festival local to the area around Rome. It survived into Christian times and was abolished by Pope Gelasius near 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 valentine still in existence is housed in the manuscript collection in the British Library in London England. It was written by Charles, the Duke of Orleans to his wife. He had been captured at the Battle of Agincourt and was being held in the Tower of London.
Love and Friendship day is celebrated in much of South America. While similar to the Western Valentine's Day, it often includes acts of appreciation for friends. Boyfriends/Girlfriends day is celebrated in Brazil. Couples exchange gifts, flowers and chocolates on June 12th.
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 Iran February 17th is a day for love and called Sepandarmazgan. This day is celebrated much like it is in the West in spice of some governmental restrictions. Younger Iranian boys and girls often buy gifts and celebrate the tradition.
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.
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. - 16492
Lupercalia was an ancient Roman, or possibly pre-Roman festival celebrated every year to honor Lupercus, the god of fertility. It was originally a shepherd festival local to the area around Rome. It survived into Christian times and was abolished by Pope Gelasius near 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 valentine still in existence is housed in the manuscript collection in the British Library in London England. It was written by Charles, the Duke of Orleans to his wife. He had been captured at the Battle of Agincourt and was being held in the Tower of London.
Love and Friendship day is celebrated in much of South America. While similar to the Western Valentine's Day, it often includes acts of appreciation for friends. Boyfriends/Girlfriends day is celebrated in Brazil. Couples exchange gifts, flowers and chocolates on June 12th.
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 Iran February 17th is a day for love and called Sepandarmazgan. This day is celebrated much like it is in the West in spice of some governmental restrictions. Younger Iranian boys and girls often buy gifts and celebrate the tradition.
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.
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. - 16492
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.
