What You Don’t Know About Valentine’s Day Celebration

Did you know that Saint Valentine’s Day as a romantic celebration may possibly has started with a poem?  It seems it was Geoffrey Chaucer, an English poet in 14th century, who made the first actual reference to St. Valentine in a romantic context, in his love poem ‘The Parliament of Fowls’.

 

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION?

• POEM – Geoffrey Chaucer refers to Valentine as the patron saint of marriage, and he also makes reference in the poem to other symbols of love which associates with Saint Valentine’s Day: Cupid and Venus.

 

It doesn’t necessarily mean that he was the originator of the tradition of doing romantic things, but there are no earlier references that survived.

 

• NOTE – Another theory says Saint Valentine was a Roman Christian who was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century A.D. While in the prison he feel in love with a blind girl which miraculously recovered her sight after his prays.

 

Before he was decapitated he left a note “From Your Valentine” to show her his love. He died on 14th February 270 AD.

 

• ROMANTIC MESSAGE – Others even say St. Valentine’s Day traditions originate from two pagan festivals of ancient roman history: Lupercalia and the feast day of Juno Februata which intended to guarantee fertility and childbirths. This was initially celebrated on February 15th, but in the year 496 A.D the Pope Gelasius changed to 14th and called it St. Valentine’s Day in honor to Saint Valentine who died in A.D. 270.

 

Part of the ritual was also the sexual lottery, and even when the church of Rome banned this ritual, young men still practiced a much toned-down version, sending women whom they desired handwritten romantic messages containing St. Valentine’s name.

 

If you can amuse and be amused by your partner and friend wouldn’t this make you feel happier?

 

In my opinion, the overall message is about to celebrate love, affection, friendship. And when I say love, it is not exclusive to romantic relationships but also to express your affection to your friends.

 

If you can use this day as a reminder to show how important people are in your live – LET IT BE!

 

Today while I was driving, I listened on radio a girl who decided to make a difference and surprised her girlfriend on Valentine’s Day. Although I don’t remember what the surprise was, I vividly recall the excitement expressed by the receiver.

 

You can express your love and appreciation any day of the year, but doing it on February 14^th brings an extra excitement.

 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Your Friend,

 

 

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