Do you know what Valentine’s Day means? This special occasion honors romantic love, affection, and admiration. February 14 is the Day every couple celebrates their love and affection to each other by giving gifts and letters, but of course, you can also show your love towards your family and friends! Couples give Valentine’s day presents and flowers and share particular times to enjoy each other. Let’s take a closer look at the history to know the real meaning!
St. Valentine, who is he?
Valentine’s is named after St. Valentine, a Catholic priest in Rome. Several legends are circulating about him; we are about to discover one today and might as well define what Valentine’s Day means!
In his time, several Romans converted In Christianity, but Emperor Claudius II is very pagan and strict, as he set rules for Christian on what to do. Claudius assumed Roman soldiers ought to be solely obeying Rome and therefore to impose a law prohibiting marriage. St Valentine started marrying these soldiers in hidden Christian weddings, which was the foundation of his renown for believing in marriage’s importance.
Finally, for his Claudius actions, Valentine was identified and punished. After his detention, Valentine took his fellow prisoners and his blind daughter. After treating her daughter, he wrote a letter for her with a pen name “Your Valentine” to express his affection, and later on, he’s executed on February 14, 270.
How did it start?
Valentine’s Day is believed to be originated in Roman Festival; however, it still celebrated in the modern era.
About the middle of February, in the early part of the spring, the Romans organized a Lupercalia festival. At the festival, boys have the chance to choose women from a box. They can be partners throughout the Day, and they can marry each other after the festival if they want to.
The church will then turn the festival into a Christian retreat and will do so even in praise of St. Valentine. People continue to use and express love and affection to every people they cherished as time goes by.
Who’s Cupid?
Cupid also symbolizes Valentine’s Day, and he is always seen in cards and letters. His arrows represent love. We can tell what Valentine’s Day means if we see Cupid hanging around the corners and letters. But the Roman deity Cupid is a Greek god of desire in Greek mythology, Eros. Several argue himself to be the son of Nyx and Erebus; others who are of Aphrodite and Ares; and others who say that he is the son of Iris and Zephyrus or even Aphrodite and Zeus.
Eros is a splendid immortal, playing with gods and people’s feelings, using golden bows to encourage love and lead the public to aversion. Right after the Hellenist era, Cupid represents and symbolizes love. I know that whenever you see Cupid, it reminds you that Valentine’s Day is near, and love is in the air!
The symbolism of Valentine’s Day
The act of giving letters of affection has become more and more popular and creative with unique cards. Cards are mostly handmade to show their efforts, and it is usually full of sentimental notes and quotes to tell the receiver how they are perfect, loved, and valued.
Are you now having an idea of what Valentine’s Day means? For some, giving letters, flowers, and chocolates are the symbols of Valentine’s Day, but for others, showing their love and affection to their loved ones is more than enough to depict what Valentine’s Day means.
What does Valentine’s Day mean in Modern Times?
During Valentine’s Day in most countries, different cultures developed their unique traditions. Many areas in the world observe and celebrate Valentine’s Day to express their love to their family, friends, and partners. Some traditions involve leaving lobsters and gifts, chocolates, while others include thankfulness amongst loved ones.
On Valentine’s Day, most pairs want coffee, a picnic, or a special home-baked meal. A comfortable hotel stays, which lets a couple get away from it and have quality time together, is another popular Valentine’s Day custom. Just for an example, after walking to the top of a mountain and posts a notice on a table, certain wedding deals are very creative. Regardless of the process, Valentine’s Day wedding proposals are usually memorable and romantic.
This special occasion is somehow bringing out the lovely bones in each of us! Everyone is frantically preparing their homemade chocolates, biscuits, presents, and letters. Some are using this occasion to confess, propose and surprise their partners. Up to these days, Valentine’s Day is the second most awaited holiday, next to Christmas. The teenagers and couples are the ones who are really excited, and I know you are too!
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