Valentine's Day celebrated on February 14th. This is a day dedicated to honoring love and affection between intimate companions.
But why does it fall in the month of February?
Why is Valentine's day in the month of February?
The history of this holiday and its association with the month of February is a story rich in legend and myth, dating back over 1500 years.
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Association Of Ancient Rome With Valentine?
Valentine's Day is thought to have originated in ancient Rome. During this time, Lupercalia was celebrated from February 13 to February 15. This event commemorated the arrival of spring and the upcoming crops' fertility. Men would draw the names of ladies from a box during this festival, and the two would be paired as companions for the celebration. According to some academics, this event may have served as the model for the present custom of exchanging Valentine cards
Christian Feast Day
Another interpretation of this holiday is that it originated as a Christian feast day thanks to the influence of Saint Valentine, a priest, and martyr who lived in the third century. During a time when the emperor outlawed marriages in order to maintain a bigger army, it is reported that Saint Valentine secretly performed marriages for young lovers in ancient Rome. Valentine was caught committing a crime, put in jail, and then killed.
Pope Gelasius
Pope Gelasius I proclaimed February 14th to be Saint Valentine's Day in 496 AD, marking the earliest known commemoration of Saint Valentine as a Christian feast. The day didn't become associated with romantic love until the 14th and 15th centuries.
A medieval European concept of chivalry and admiration known as "courtly love" flourished during this time, and couples frequently exchanged presents and written declarations of love.
First Valentine's Day Letter
The first Valentine's Day letter that is known to have existed was not penned until the 15th century. It is said that Charles, Duke of Orleans, wrote his wife the first Valentine's Day love letter ever. Originally a luxury of the wealthy, the custom of writing love notes quickly became a widespread custom.
Modern Day Valentine
In the modern era, Valentine's Day has developed into a multi-billion dollar industry. All of the main countries recognize this particular day, which has come to represent love and affection not only between romantic partners but also between friends and family.
During this time most people use a lot of money buying gifts and generally celebrating with their loved ones. For some, it's not all about lovers but about loved ones also.
The myth surrounding the origin of Valentine's Day and its connection to the month of February dates back more than 1500 years. The day has come to stand for love and affection between close friends, whether it was the Christian celebration celebrating Saint Valentine or the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. It has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry today and is recognized as a universal symbol of affection.
