A Brief History of Valentines Day

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 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 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.

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.

In the late 1840's the first mass-produced Valentine cards were produced by Esther Howland in Worchester, Massachusetts. Esther's cards, made of embossed paper lace were inspired by English valentines. By the early 1850's, one writer claimed that St. Valentine's Day had become a 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.

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

About the Author

A leading Tampa florist, A-Bow-K Florist and Gifts has been delivering Valentines Day flowers and gifts to Tampa and the surrounding area for 25 successful years.

by: Anne J. Michaels

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