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CAThe origin of Valentine's Day
February 14th is the traditional Valentine’s Day in western countries. With the influence of Western European culture, it is now popular in various regions of the world. On Valentine’s Day, unmarried young men and women are eager to receive gifts from their favorite opposite sex to express their love. Married couples also hope to receive a festive surprise from their lover. The gift may be a bouquet of flowers that can express their love. It could be a rose of your heart, or a box of chocolates that can express sweetness, or it could be a watch, a mobile phone, a piece of clothing, a set of cosmetics…
While celebrating Valentine’s Day, we can also learn about the origin of Valentine’s Day.
origin one
In the 3rd century AD, the Roman Empire experienced a comprehensive crisis. The society was in turmoil, and the poor people rose up to rebel. In order to maintain its rule, the aristocracy brutally suppressed the people and Christians. At that time, a believer named Valentine participated in the resistance and was arrested and imprisoned. In prison, he touched the warden’s daughter with his true feelings, and cured her daughter’s blind eyes. They loved each other. After the ruling class found out, they ordered Valentine to be sentenced to death. I wrote a suicide note to show that I love someone without sin. Later, in order to commemorate Valentine’s sacrifice for true love, Christians designated the day of execution as “St. Warren’s Day”, and later generations changed it to “Valentine’s Day”.
origin two
In the 3rd century A.D., Emperor Claudius II of the Roman Empire banned the marriage of men and women of the right age for war, so that more men who had no family to care about could go to the battlefield. A priest named Valentin continued to hold church weddings for the young people in love. After being discovered by the ruler, he was thrown into prison and tortured. He was hanged on February 14, 270 AD. Since the 14th century, people have commemorated the priest who made the decision for the loved ones on this day.
origin three
During the Roman Empire, February 14 was a holiday dedicated to Jona, queen of the Roman gods. Because unmarried men and girls were not allowed to meet at that time. So on this day, a “blind date meeting” will be held. Unmarried young men can choose the name of a beloved girl to engrave on the vase. The boy can dance with the girl of his choice to celebrate the romantic festival. If they love each other eventually they will walk into church and get married. Later generations set February 14 every year as Valentine’s Day for this reason.
origin four
Lupercalia in ancient Rome was on February 15th and was established by the Christian church to celebrate the arrival of spring. With the expansion of Roman power in Europe, the custom of Luperi was brought to France, England and other places. One of people’s favorite activities on February 14 is similar to the sweepstakes we play. The girls’ name cards are put into the box, and the young men step forward to draw them. The pair of men and women who are drawn become lovers for a year or more. Due to the rise of Christianity, people’s custom of commemorating the gods gradually became indifferent. The priests did not want people to give up the joy of the festival, so they combined Lupercalia and Valentine’s Day and moved them to February 14th.
origin five
It is said that on the island of England a long time ago, all birds would court in February. People also believe that February is the time when all things are born in spring and it is also a good season for human reproduction. It is stipulated that a “blind date meeting” will be held on February 14.
There are many sources of Valentine’s Day, we just need to understand it simply. The most important thing is to cherish the rare opportunity, confess your love to someone boldly, and treat each other with sincerity. If you love each other, you will be able to grow old forever. May all lovers in the world get married, have a happy Valentine’s Day, and live a colorful life.
