VALENTINE'S DAY: HISTORY AND ITS PURPOSE ❤️❤️❤️

 

Valentine's Day is near. It's literally at your doorstep. And most of the loved ones are eagerly waiting to make this day their special one.

But have you ever thought about when and where did this day started from? Or who was the creator of this day?? What did happen that there was a need for embarking this day as Valentine's Day???

Let me try and answer it. 

What is Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is an annual festival of romantic love, friendship and admiration that occurs every year on 14 February. People celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family and friends. It is not only exchanged between couples but also among family members, friends, children and relatives.Candy, flowers, gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. People send Valentine's Day cards and flowers and spend special time together to honour their love for each other.

HISTORY:

Valentine's Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the 3rd Century. 

Many Romans were converting to Christianity at the time of Saint Valentine.Emperor Claudius II, contemporary ruler of Rome, was a barbaric. He implied and created his own set of harsh rules and strict laws regarding Christianity. Claudius believed that Roman soldiers should be completely devoted to Rome. He, therefore passed a law preventing them from marriage. He forbid marriage for young soldiers to fully be dedicated towards military. St.Valentine regarded this act of nuisance an injustice towards young couples. He claimed it to be unjust and unfair to all those loved ones.

So, St. Valentine began to marry these soldiers in secret Christian ceremonies. He surreptitiously married these couples to be claimed as husband and wife. This was the beginning of his reputation for believing in the importance of love. Every young and desperate couples regarded Valentine as symbol of love and affection. He continued marrying these young couples until he was proven guilty

Eventually, Valentine was found out and jailed for his crimes against Claudius and was later decapitated. Even when imprisoned,Valentine cared for his inmates and his jailor's blind daughter. His final death wish was to write a letter to one of the loved ones embarking his name. He shared his last wish to the blind girl. He said her to write a love message to her lover signed ‘From your Valentine'.Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with the young blind girl. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. So this act of bravery of St.Valentine emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly a romantic figure. So it was then when it all started with the death of St.Valentine.

 He was executed on 14 February in the year 270, the day celebrated as Valentine's Day. To which we are still celebrating as the Day of Love and Romance.

It wasn't until more than 200 years later that 14 February was proclaimed St Valentine's Day. 200 years after the death of St.Valentine the day was celebrated officially.

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS:CARDS

Valentine's Day is celebrated exchanging gifts. And the most popular is obviously cards. They were handmade previously but nowadays it's available readymade with varying shades of colours and styles.The practice of sending love messages developed into people sending special cards expressing their affection. Cards usually contain sentimental verse, proclaiming the beauty of the receiver and how much they are loved.

Saint Valentine's Day cards are decorated with pictures of cupid, hearts and flowers and trimmed with lace and ribbon.

Who Is Cupid?

Cupid is often portrayed on Valentine’s Day cards as a naked cherub launching arrows of love. Roman God Cupid has his roots in Greek mythology as the Greek god of love, Eros. He is the son of Aphrodite and Ares.

HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?

Most people celebrate Valentine's Day with special dinner. They also choose to organise a picnic with special home-cooked meal. They tend to make this day as special as possible. Many restaurants offer Valentine's Day dinner promotions and food is often presented with symbols of love like hearts and flowers. Some people as well celebrate this day in a luxury hotel stay within a beautiful location. Marriage proposals are also popular on Valentine's Day. This day is considered as the perfect day to express love and commitment through marriage proposals which is definitely memorable.

FINALLY:

 The main purpose of Valentine’s Day is to spend your quality time with your loved ones. It is important to show them your love and appreciation. How grateful you are to have them in your life.  Your loved ones could be your best friend,your family or your relatives. It need not necessarily be a couple. 

You don't need to be doing anything extra to prove your worth. You just need to be with them when they need you the most, be it emotionally, mentally or financially. You can  buy gifts or not, it’s up to you. The only thing that you should stick with is to be there for your loved ones when necessary. Make your as well as their presence a valuable one.❤️

BY SANJITA NAPIT