Is the Celebration of Valentine's Day Actually Considered a Legitimate Holiday?
In the heart of February, a celebration that has become synonymous with love and affection takes centre stage: Saint Valentine's Day. But the roots of this holiday run deep, with origins that can be traced back to the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire celebrated a festival of fertility called Lupercalia in the month of February, near 800 BC. This festival, however, was far removed from the romantic celebration we know today.
Fast forward to the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th to be Saint Valentine's feast day. The exact Saint Valentine that Pope Gelasius I intended to celebrate is uncertain. Among the two Valentines considered for the feast day were Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni, both early Christian martyrs commemorated on February 14th.
One story suggests that Valentine was a priest who performed marriages against the wishes of a Roman Emperor, who believed that withholding marriages would make better soldiers. As a result, Valentine was martyred on February 14th. Another tale claims Valentinus, a jailed Christian Martyr, fell in love with his jailer's daughter and sent her a love note, known as "a Valentine."
Through the centuries, the celebration of Saint Valentine's Day has evolved. By the year 1969, the traditions were already well-established. The Catholic Church, however, removed St. Valentine's day along with other feast days whose origins were unclear. Despite this, the celebration persisted, becoming a multi-million dollar holiday.
Today, Valentine's Day is more of a tradition than a holiday with clear origins. It involves expressing love and affection to one's sweetheart through various means, including cards, candy, flowers, going out to eat, jewelry, clothing, and other gifts. It's estimated that more than 35,000 heart-shaped boxes with candy will be sold in the US this year alone.
While the origins of Saint Valentine's Day may be shrouded in mystery, its influence on modern culture is undeniable. Whether you choose to celebrate the romantic aspects of the holiday or the simple act of expressing love and affection, Saint Valentine's Day continues to be a cherished tradition for many.
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