Good Lifestyle

What started as an old Roman festival is through time to become the romantic party that we know today. Below, we will introduce you to each twist and turning that helped to pave the history of Valentine's Day. We will retrace its first pagan roots, the impact of Christian traditions on the day and its modern marketing to explain how February 14 has become synonymous with Love and Romance worldwide. Continue to read to find out more.

In relation: 53 comforting facts that will instantly make you smile .

Origins of Valentine's Day: pagan rituals at the Christian festival

Long before Valentine's Day became a symbol of romantic love, there was the Roman Festival of Lupercalia . This pagan celebration, observed from February 13 to 15, involved the sacrifice of a goat and a dog, followed by a ritual in which young men, dressed in the skins of sacrificed animals, struck young women in the aim to ensure their fertility.

Why is the animal hides, you can ask? Well, the idea was to honor the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a she-wolf, or Lupa. Although a strange ritual of nuptial parade according to modern standards, it was thought that women affected by these skins would become fertile and have healthy children. Although rituals like this may seem strange to us today, they were an important part of ancient culture and Roman beliefs, especially in the third century.

Over time, however, the Catholic Church has become firm in its mission to replace pagan practices with Christian practices. Eventually, Pope Gelasius I Supplanted the wild festivities of Lupercalia with a darker day of celebration in honor of the Christian martyr Valentine's Day , the patron saint of love.

The creation of a martyr: the story of Valentine's Day

The identity of Saint-Valentin remains somewhat troubled, given the existence of several Christian martyrs bearing the same name. One of the most likely candidates is a martyred priest around 270 this by the novel emperor Claudius II . The legend says that Valentine played Christian weddings in secret , defying the existing prohibition of the emperor. He was arrested and put to death when he refused to renounce his faith, becoming a martyr and an emblem of Christian love.

Other stories of his life include even more romantic elements. A legend describes a mysterious letter signed "of your Valentin", which he would have sent to the daughter of his jailer, of whom he had fallen in love and healed from blindness .

The evolution of courteous love: the Middle Ages with modern romance

Over time, the celebration of Valentine's Day has undergone a fairly dramatic transformation, in particular in the Middle Ages. It was at this moment that the traditional day of the festival of Valentine's Day went from a religious tradition to a celebration of romantic love. This change was largely due to the influence of courteous love, a concept that emphasized nobility and chivalry.

Literature has also played an important role here. Geoffrey Chaucer , the famous English poet, was actually the First to link Valentine's Day With romantic love, doing it in his poem of 1375 "Parliament of faults", creating a precedent that would shape the future of the party.

"Because it was sent on Seynt Valentyne / Whan, each fault has just chosen his companion," he wrote. This period also saw the birth of the concept of an individual "Valentine's Day", the person chosen as the object of the affection of Valentine's Day.

In relation: How to say if he loves me? 15 signs a man falls in love .

The young man's Valentine's Day writer

Enter the end of the 18th century, and we saw a wave of expressing love through written words, with the publication of The young man's Valentine's Day writer Help launch things. This booklet, filled with sentimental worms, gave inspiration to those who wanted express their feelings to Valentine's Day. This short compilation had a significant impact, which allows individuals to publicize their affection at a time when the direct expression of his feelings was not the norm.

Other literary personalities have also contributed to the strengthening of romantic connotations of Valentine's Day. Works by William Shakespeare And other writers have continued tradition, strengthening the association of holidays with love and affection.

Of course, popular belief in France and England that February 14 marked the start of Season of the appearance of birds also helped. This belief, as well as romantic imagery in the literature of the time, shaped the modern celebration of Valentine's Day as a moment to express love and affection - in other words, romantic holidays Perfect.

The birth of Valentine's Day cards

The 19th century gave birth to another Valentine's Day ritual: the exchange of cards from Valentine's Day, or Valentine's Day. Mass production has enabled individuals to participate more easily in the new tradition.

These cards came with pre-written messages, often adorned with lace and ribbons, making it a popular choice for those who had trouble putting their feelings in words . Consequently, the tradition of exchanging handwritten love letters began to fade, replaced by the convenience and beauty of pre-made cards.

This change was accelerated by the industrial revolution. As manufacturing processes improved, it has become easier to produce Large quantities of cards . At the end of the 19th century, the exchange of first Valentines in mass had become a widespread practice, marking the birth of the Valentine's Day. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Vision by Esther Howland: The mother of American Valentine's Day

Esther Howland is known as " Mother of American Valentine's Day "And credited with the popularization of Valentine's Day cards in the United States. Its cards, known for their complex creations and romantic messages, were among the first Valentines produced in trade, with its first advertising appearing in the WORSTER SPY Back in 1850.

They were also celebrated for their romantic and European designs. The cards were often multilayer, with relief elements and decorated with lace and ribbons. Howland's work is often quoted to make February 14 the main commercial holidays that we recognize today - and when we say "major", we want it. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers have spent more $ 26 billion Preparation for holidays 2023.

Social networks and Valentine's Day

Today, these feelings are easier than ever to share. From romantic messages to digital gifts, social media platforms allow us to celebrate the holidays unique. However, this online celebration has also led to increased pressure to comply with the expectations of society and a public examination of personal relations.

In relation: 88 attractive texts that will make your crush crazy .

Celebrate love around the world

People celebrate Valentine's Day in all ways, according to their where they are in the world. In Japan, for example, it is usual for women to give chocolates to men on Valentine's Day, a tradition that extends beyond romantic relationships to include colleagues and male friends.

In Wales, a unique tradition implies the exchange of "love spoons" - carved wooden spoons, which symbolize love and commitment. And in Argentina, instead of celebrating Valentine's Day, they observe " The week of sweetness "In July, during which couples exchanged kisses and candies.

Colleagues, family members and friends

In some countries, Valentine's Day is celebrated as a tribute to love in all its manifestations, not only romantic love. It's a day to show the appreciation of family members, friends and even colleagues. With the Valentine's Day celebrated this way, gifts are exchanged and special outings can be organized to mark the occasion. Some common ways to express love that day include:

• Flower
• Chocolate
• Sending balloons
• Cards

Symbols and feelings: Valentine's Day icons

Some symbols have a particular meaning and transmit the feelings associated with the holidays. Their use not only adds to the festive atmosphere of the day, but also has a deeper symbolic meaning.

Cupid arrow and mythological roots

Cupid, the Roman god of love, is a well-recognized figure linked to Valentine's Day. According to mythology, Cupid could lead people to fall in love by pulling them with his magical arrows. This ability made him a symbol of love and desire, an appropriate mascot for a day dedicated to romance.

The language of flowers

Another symbol associated with Valentine's Day which meant love and affection was the flower tongue , or Floriography. This practice, popular in Victorian times, consisted in using flowers to transmit secret messages. Each flower had its own unique meaning, allowing individuals to express their feelings through their choice of flowers.

From declarations of love to expressions of friendship, this language added a layer of complexity and feeling to floral gifts. And tradition has persisted, with red roses now universally recognized as a symbol of romantic love. So when you give or receive a bouquet of flowers in this Valentine's Day, do not forget that each flowering could say more than meets the eye.

Wrap

This is all for our history of how Valentine's Day started, but be sure to check soon with us. You can also Subscribe to our newsletter So you don't miss what will follow!