There are various theories and interesting legends surrounding the origins of St Valentine's Day. Some legends trace the origin of Valentine's Day to Pagan times while others link it to one or more Saints of early Christian Church.
Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D. On the day of his death, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it
"From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Another theory as to the origins of this holiday is that it was an attempt to "christianize" the Pagans who also celebrated a holiday on February 15th. This holiday was known as the festival of Lupercalia, held every year beginning February 15th, was a fertility festival in honor of the Roman god Faunus, the god of agriculture, and Rome's founders Romulus and Remus.
While the origins of Valentine's Day come from Pagan and/or ancient Roman roots, today it is celebrated by people in many countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Like most growing up I "bought" into the whole commercialization of the day. Over the past couple of years I have started to look at this day as one to celebrate those in my life, who through their love and support have kept me smiling and my heart open.
Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends in BlogLand... You make each day brighter with your wonderful posts and comments!!
How do you celebrate
St. Valentine's Day...
Do you keep it simple with a card and small token of love and appreciation
or do you go all out and expect your significant other to go all out too?
Happy Valentine's Day! We celebrate by eating a special dinner at home (this year it will be compliments of Youngest Son). I usually give the boys some Valentine's boxers and a box of chocolates, but I've changed it up this year. And, for hubby, I give him just a little something. Nothing big.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful valentines day xxx
ReplyDeleteI celebrate with red and pink - on me and throughout the house. And with no significant other, I spread a little love to my kids -- with a decorated table and special food.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a bit of history on valentine day. I sometimes wonder how a lot of things get started, but do not take the time to find out. May you find love in your life each day not just one.
ReplyDeleteI like to keep it simple so the meaning doesn't get lost. How interesting to read the meaning behind the holiday. Hope yours is filled with love! xo
ReplyDeleteAs Hubby says 'We don't need a special day to show someone we care about them.' He bought me some bath oil last week because I wasn't feeling well so that substantiates his argument.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely time with those you love <3 from me to you and yours (See I've learned how to send a heart wow!)
<3 to Dolce too
Well this year my daughter thinks we need to make chocolate lava cakes...wish me luck! (I liked frosting cookie better but she is now 14 and growing up, BOO).
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Valentine's day!
Barb
happy happy valentine's day!! thank you for the little lesson -- i learned quite a few new things! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Hugs,
Kat
Your house sounds like mine! I'll look at your Dolce's blog and see what it's aboot!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments on my blog!
xo
Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/
I "heart" Valentines Day! I love to do special things for my kids as well as my hubby. Sometimes big, sometimes small...no pressure around here. This year, I simply made chocolate dipped strawberries for everyone...a big hit :)
ReplyDeleteThank You for the history behind Valentine's day. Acknowledging our loved ones should be ongoing. I celebrated it at home with family simple meal and just being together.
ReplyDeleteGreat post as always. You are right to celebrate those we love, the goal is to celebrate that everyday!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a Happy Day mon amie!
à bientôt,
Mimi
Love this post and all the history! We keep it very simple. Just a homemade dinner and homemade cards.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day to you :)
xoxo
I am not a fan of the commercialism of Valentine's Day and I really do not feel we need a special day to show someone we care about them because we should do that every day. That being said, as the boys were growing up, I did get creative with their breakfast and lunch and make a special "formal" dinner for them on Valentine's Day.
ReplyDelete~ Tracy
Love the Valentine story and enjoyed reading it again. I made my husband a card. He took me out for Breakfast and we had heart-shaped pizza for our daugher for supper. My husband got me a certificate to my fav. eating spot so we can go on a date. It's all simple and yet loving.
ReplyDeleteWe throw parties for our children & shower them with gifts!!! :)
ReplyDelete