Written by Jason Kritzberg on February 13, 2021
Valentines Day is coming up this weekend and you know what that means! Chocolate, roses, and spending the day with that special someone. This holiday is a day where lovers can express their affection to each other, showering gifts and greetings. However, you might ask yourself, “why do we celebrate Valentines Day?” Keep reading to learn more!
The History of Valentines Day
The history of Valentines Day dates back to the Roman century, where festival of Lupercalia would be held every February. The festival was most notably celebrated for Spring arriving; although, included the paring off of women with men by lottery. It later became known as St. Valentines Day at the end of the 5th century! Around the 14th century is when the holiday formed its modern origins of celebrating love.
But What Made This Holiday Associated to Love?
The day may have been taken from a priest who was martyred about 270 CE from the emperor Claudius II Gothicus. According to the legend, the priest signed a letter to his daughter in jail with quote “from your Valentine.” Other accounts hold that it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop, for whom the holiday was named, though it is possible the two saints were actually one person. Another common legend states that St. Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples to spare the husbands from war. It is for this reason that his feast day is associated with love.
Formal messages, or what we call “Valentines” appeared in the 1500s and by the late 1700s, were commercially printed on cards. By the 1800s, the US were printing their first Valentines Day cards! Valentines commonly depict Cupid, the Roman god of love, along with hearts, traditionally the seat of emotion. Because it was thought that the avian mating season begins in mid-February, birds also became a symbol of the day. Traditional gifts include candy and flowers, particularly red roses, a symbol of beauty and love.
The day is most popular in The United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, France, Mexico, and South Korea. The holiday has also expanded past your significant other, but also relatives, friends, and even co-workers. It is common to see schoolchildren also exchanging valentines and having parties to celebrate.
Valentines Day 2021
This year, Valentines Day is on Sunday, February 14th. which is the best possible day to celebrate! If you are like many and have the weekend off, you might want to consider taking a day trip somewhere special; or if you want to stay more low-key, a romantic night in with your favorite takeout! Many local restaurants are serving up delicious price fixed menus so consider checking that out and supporting your local businesses!
If you are entertaining the thought this Valentines Day that a new home is in order for you and you’re special someone, give Stephen White, your local realtor, a call. With just transitioning to Compass, Stephen White Real Estate has so much more to offer and cannot wait to get you in your forever home! Happy Valentines Day! <3
