Why Do We Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest days of the year for florists in 77084. Every February 14, people all over the world purchase floral arrangements or individual flowers for their loved ones to celebrate the patron saint of love.
But how did our modern version of Valentine’s Day come to be, and what are the origins of the holiday? Let’s take a look.
Origin story
Saint Valentine’s Day was added as a feast day to the Catholic liturgical calendar around 500 A.D. Obviously, the way the day is celebrated has evolved over many years.
There are several different legends involving saints named Valentine, but there are conflicting reports of the original Saint Valentine, and the feast was actually removed from the liturgical calendar in 1969.
One of the most common versions of the Valentine story is that Saint Valentine refused to convert to paganism from Christianity, and was executed by Emperor Claudius II as a result. However, before his death, he performed a miracle to heal the daughter of his jailer, who then also converted to Christianity. Another legend involves a bishop, Valentine of Terni, who was also executed for his religion.
The legend that led to Valentine’s Day being a love-focused holiday involves a Saint Valentine who was a Roman priest, who had performed weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry due to an emperor’s edict that decreed married soldiers made poor warriors. Saint Valentine wore a ring with Cupid to help soldiers recognize him, and he handed out paper hearts to remind Christians of God’s love and their love for God. This became a sort of precursor to handing out Valentine’s Day cards.
In the 1300s, author and poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a love-themed poem about Saint Valentine that solidified the connection between the saint and love. This is considered by many historians to be the beginning of the “modern” meaning of Valentine’s Day, in which romantic partnership is celebrated between people. Thanks to Chaucer, by the 15th century the word “valentine” was being used to describe a lover, and by the 19th century, Valentine’s Day cards were being mass produced in paper, creating Valentine’s Day as we know it today.
Meanings today
Valentine’s Day isn’t a religious celebration any longer, due to the removal of the feast day from the church’s liturgical calendar. Instead, it is primarily a commercial holiday in which people spend time with their loved ones and show their gratitude and appreciation for them with gifts and quality time.
There are plenty of twists on the holiday as well. For example, “Galentine’s Day” has become more popular in recent years as a way for women (single or not) to celebrate their friendship.
If you’re still in need of a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift in 77084, we’re prepared to assist you with flowers and other gifts that will make the holiday special. Contact It’s Just for You today and we’ll be happy to help you with what you need to can create a memorable moment with your loved one.