A Celebration of Love and Affection
Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day, is an annual festival to celebrate romantic love, friendship, and admiration. Every year on February 14th, people celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family, and friends.
It is most commonly associated with romantic love, with couples exchanging gifts and spending time together to honor their relationship.
The date is fixed on February 14th each year and is celebrated in numerous countries around the globe, though it is not a public holiday in most.
The day is a time to express feelings, whether through handwritten cards, thoughtful gifts, or simple acts of kindness.
The history of Valentine's Day is shrouded in mystery, but its roots are often traced back to a Christian priest named Valentine who lived during the 3rd century in Rome.
A Story of Defiance and Love
According to one popular legend, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Before his execution, he is said to have sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with the jailer's daughter. He allegedly signed the letter "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today.
Over time, several powerful symbols have come to represent the love and romance associated with Valentine's Day.
The heart is the ultimate symbol of love, representing the core of emotion and affection.
The Roman god of love, often depicted as a winged infant with a bow and arrow, whose arrows strike the hearts of people to make them fall in love.
The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. It symbolizes deep love, passion, and beauty.
These birds, which often mate for life, are seen as symbols of loyalty, fidelity, and enduring love.
Modern Valentine's Day is celebrated with a variety of traditions, all aimed at expressing love and making partners feel special.
Giving Valentine's cards is one of the most popular traditions, allowing people to express their feelings in writing.
A bouquet of flowers, especially red roses, is a classic and timeless gesture of romantic love.
Many couples celebrate with a special dinner, either at a favorite restaurant or a candlelit meal at home.
The romantic atmosphere of Valentine's Day makes it a very popular day for marriage proposals.
While gestures of love are most important, certain gifts have become staples of the Valentine's Day celebration.