In the United States , France and elsewhere in the world, Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. This event is often celebrated with flowers, chocolates and gifts exchanged between loved ones, because it is a time when people express their love to their partners or family . But have you ever wondered about the history of Valentine's Day? Its origin? In this article, Chic&Shines shares little-known facts about this lovers' holiday (which is fast approaching!)
History of Valentine's Day
At the risk of disappointing you, no one has pinpointed the exact origin of this holiday, but ancient Rome is a good place to start. In fact, one theory about the origins of Valentine's Day is that it coincides with the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated from February 13 to 15. The festival took place in mid-February celebrating the arrival of spring.
This day was celebrated with Roman priests sacrificing a goat and a dog before dividing the goat skins into strips and whipping the women with animal skins until they bled, signifying their fertility. The women would then be paired with randomly selected bachelors for the following year.
Where does the name “Valentin” come from?
The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name "Saint Valentine." Emperor Claudius II executed two men, both named Valentine, on February 14 in different years. Their deaths were honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of Saint Valentine.
So, in the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with Valentine's Day, as Lupercalia was considered "un-Christian." It was recognized and celebrated as a day of romance and fertility. It was not until much later, however, that the day became associated with love.
Where do Valentine's Day cards come from?
In Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the mid-18th century, it was common for friends and lovers to exchange small tokens of affection, including handwritten notes, and around 1900, printed cards began to replace written letters.
Additionally , in the 1840s, Esther A. Howland, known as the “Mother of Valentines,” created classic designs with lace, ribbons, and colorful images. In 1913, Hallmark Cards of Kansas City, Missouri, began mass producing Valentine's Day cards and Valentine's Day hasn't been the same since.
Note : After Christmas, Valentine's Day is the second most popular holiday for card distribution, with approximately 145 million cards sent each year, according to the Greeting Cards Association . Card Association.
Where is Valentine's Day celebrated?
The day is extremely popular in the United States as well as Britain, Canada , Europe and Australia.
And you? Do you celebrate it? Are you more of an emotional card or physical gift person?
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