Valentine's Day: history of the holiday and traditions of celebration around the world

Today, February 14, the world celebrates Valentine's Day – a holiday dedicated to lovers. For some, this day is an opportunity to confess their feelings, please a loved one with a gift, or spend an evening together, while for others, it's just another ordinary day on the calendar, without special meaning.

However, not everyone knows that the history of this holiday dates back to ancient Roman times, and in Great Britain, on this day, people confess their love not only to people but also to animals. UNN tells about the origin of the holiday, who Saint Valentine was, and what traditions exist on this day in a new article.

History of the holiday 

Although the true history of the holiday is unknown, according to one legend, the holiday originated in the 3rd century AD. For example, it is believed that Saint Valentine was a Christian priest in Rome who, contrary to the orders of Emperor Claudius II, which forbade soldiers to marry, secretly married lovers. When the ruler found out about this, the bishop was arrested, subjected to harsh torture, and later beheaded for "anti-state" activities. Also, according to legend, before his execution, Saint Valentine wrote a letter to the jailer's daughter, signing it "Your Valentine." This is where the tradition of sending "valentines" comes from.

Although there are several different versions of the holiday's origin, it was officially established in the 5th century when Pope Gelasius I proclaimed February 14 as Saint Valentine's Day. This holiday was founded to replace the ancient pagan Roman festival of "Lupercalia," which was celebrated on February 15. Pope Gelasius I decided to transform this day into a Christian celebration dedicated to Saint Valentine to emphasize the spiritual dimension of love between a man and a woman, rather than the physical or worldly aspects that were glorified during "Lupercalia." This became the basis for the formation of the tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day, which gained new momentum over the centuries.

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How Valentine's Day is celebrated in different countries around the world 

Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, and although the main theme of the holiday is love, the traditions of celebration vary depending on the culture, history, and social norms of different countries.

USA and Canada

In these countries, Valentine's Day is very popular and is considered a holiday of gifts, flowers, cards, and romantic dinners. For example, on this day, people often exchange gifts such as chocolate, soft toys, and jewelry. Many establishments offer special romantic dinners and discounts for couples.

Great Britain

In Great Britain, the holiday is traditionally associated with giving valentines or dedicating sweet poems. However, interestingly, it is customary here to confess love not only to people but also to their pets.

France

France, with its romantic image, is one of the most popular places to celebrate Valentine's Day. It is traditional to give lingerie, chocolate mousses, candies, romantic trips, "lucky" lottery tickets, and other similar items that somehow remind of the holiday's theme.

Italy

In Italy, Valentine's Day is no less important a holiday. Here, the tradition of celebration begins with the exchange of gifts and flowers, but the most popular is to give sweet gifts. Once, lovers exchanged marzipan, which was considered a valuable gift because sugar was expensive. And when sugar began to be produced from sugar beets, it became traditional to give red and white caramel candies with declarations of love written on them. 

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Main traditions of February 14

Exchanging valentines

This is one of the most common traditions. Lovers give each other cards with sweet words and poems. For some, it's an opportunity to confess their affection, and for others, another moment to remind them of their feelings.

Gifts

These can be flowers, chocolate, perfume, or jewelry. Gifts are a symbol of attention and a manifestation of feelings for the person you love.

Romantic dinner

Many couples celebrate this day by having romantic dinners in restaurants or at home, creating a romantic atmosphere of celebration.

Marriage proposal 

On February 14, many people use this day to take an important step in their relationships - to start a family.

Symbols of love

Traditional symbols of this day are hearts, red and pink colors. These symbols can be seen on gifts, in decorations, on valentines, even in the form of chocolates or jewelry.

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