Valentine’s Day is one of the most cherished holidays in the world and goes by many names, like St. Valentine’s Day, and Lovers’ Day. This day is where many people show their love to someone else. People have different ways to celebrate and these traditions are something to look forward to every year. However, this cherished holiday has a lot of history, which isn’t all good.
History Behind the Holiday
Long ago people believed that birds, especially love birds, began mating on February 14th. The festival, Lupercalia, was celebrated in Ancient Rome on Feb. 14. It honored the gods Pan, the god of the wild, and Juno, the roman goddess. In modern times, people exchange gifts with family of loved ones on the 14th. This modern celebration is celebrated all over the world, with different traditions in places like France and England. In Europe, in the 14th and 15th century, small groups of people would get together on Valentine’s Day Eve. The men would drawn prices of paper that had the names of women, which would decide their valentine.
Valentine’s Day Traditions
Today, many people still give out flowers and cards, but it hasn’t always been this way. In the 18th and 19th century, people in England and the United States would give out puzzle purses, which had interesting pieces of paper with messages and lyrics written on them. In Germany after World War II, people would incorporate pigs as a sign of good luck. People in the Philippines that couldn’t afford to be married would plan their wedding around, or even on, Valentine’s Day. Now, the most common wedding day anniversary in the Philippines is on Feb. 14. In Japan, women use chocolate to confess their love: Honmei Choco is given to men, Giri Choco is given to colleagues, and Tomo Choco is given to friends.
Why does Valentine’s Day Mean so Much?
Valentine’s Day is very important because it shows how much you care for others. It shows your love or friendship. Your relationship to someone or what’s to become. It has also become a day that even kids look forward to. In most schools, kids will give out small gifts and fun treats for this special holiday. Overall, it is a really celebrated and cherished holiday that many people love and look forward to.
https://www.history.com/articles/valentines-day-traditions
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-valentines-day
https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Valentines-Day/276860y
