Hooray! It’s Valentine’s Day 2023, the day of affection which we celebrate with great enthusiasm every year on February 14th. Have you ever wondered why we celebrate this romantic day on this date? If yes, then we are here to help you. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to learn all about its history and importance today.
As Valentine’s Week culminates, lovebirds around the world are gearing up to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Today is the last day of the week when people shower their person, crush, or potential partner with loads of love, gifts, and romantic dates to express their love.
Not only couples, but also individuals mark Valentine’s Day as a day of self-love, by doing activities they enjoy or spending time on self-care. Whether you are single or not, today is all about love and celebrating it in all forms.
But did you know that Valentine’s Day has a rich history that goes back centuries? Apparently, it wasn’t always celebrated as Valentine’s Day. The 8th century Gelasian Sacrament records the Feast of Saint Valentine, which is celebrated on 14 February.
A Brief History of Valentine’s Day
The history of Valentine’s Day comes from the Gelasian Sacramentary, which records the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day on February 14 in the 8th century. However, the celebration was not originally about love, but to commemorate a saint.
According to history, St. Valentine himself is believed to be a Christian priest who provided assistance to young couples who wanted to marry in secret, which at that time was considered illegal by the authorities.
It wasn’t until the 14th and 15th centuries that traditions of love and affection emerged, at which time classical influences and Christian theology produced the notion of the ideal of love. This became popular among European aristocrats, where men would do anything to win the heart of the woman they loved, such as by sending poems, songs or small gifts. Additionally, some believe that the day was named after a priest who was martyred by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus in AD 270.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by many people around the world, both individually and as a couple. There are many ways to celebrate, such as giving gifts, having a romantic dinner or spending time with loved ones.
However, on the other hand, there is also criticism of Valentine’s Day celebrations, where some argue that this is a day created by the industry to promote their products, as well as encourage perceptions of love that are materialistic and excessive.
Now that you know the history and importance of Valentine’s Day, go ahead and celebrate the day with your loved ones in a special way. Happy Valentine!
