Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14 and is all about love and romance. But have you ever wondered where it came from and how it turned into the celebration we enjoy today? Let’s drop into its history to explore more.
Origin of Valentine’s Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day go way back to ancient Rome, where they had a festival called Lupercalia in mid-February. During this festival of Valentine’s Day, guys would playfully hit with animal hides, believing it would make them more fertile. They also did some strange stuff like sacrificing animals and having a matchmaking lottery to pair up couples for the festival.
Skip ahead to the 3rd century A.D., and the holiday took a more romantic turn with a story about a guy named Valentine. One story says Valentine, a priest, secretly married couples against the orders of Emperor Claudius II. Another version says he helped Christian soldiers escape and reminded them of their vows with heart-shaped notes.
The exact origins are a bit fuzzy, but the holiday became popular in Britain and Europe, thanks in part to how it was portrayed by William Shakespeare. People made handmade cards to express their love during this time.
Evolution of Valentine’s Day
In the 1800s, Valentine’s Day changed into the holiday we know today, with factories pumping out tons of paper valentines and sentimental verses. Plus, when postal rates dropped in 1840, sending cards became even more popular, with millions sent out in just one year.
In the United States, companies like Cadbury made it even bigger by selling mass-produced cards and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, Now, Valentine’s Day is a huge deal worldwide, with lots of money spent on gifts and cards.
But Valentine’s Day isn’t just one day anymore. Some days are also a part of Valentine’s Week such as Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Hug Day, Kiss Day, and, of course, Valentine’s Day itself. Each day is a chance to show love in different ways.
Conclusion
In the end, Valentine’s Day has ancient roots but has become a celebration of love and romance that everyone enjoys. Whether you’re giving gifts, sending cards, or just spending time with loved ones, Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate the love that makes life special.
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1600-1601)
- Tomorrow is Saint Valentine’s Day,
- All in the morning be time,
- And I a Maid at your window,
- To be your Valentine.
