Since Valentines Day just recently passed it is important to know the history and traditions of the national holiday. Valentine’s Day falls on February 14 of each year and it is celebrated in over 150 countries around the world.
Every year on February 14, people exchange cards, chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt messages in celebration of Valentine’s Day. What now feels like a holiday filled with pink hearts and candlelit dinners actually has a long and layered history that blends ancient rituals and religious legends. The story of the holiday begins in ancient Rome with the festival of Lupercalia, a mid-February celebration that welcomed spring and honored fertility and love, according to history.com.
Valentine’s Day began to take a romantic meaning during the Middle Ages when people believed February 14 marked the beginning of a birds’ mating season. By the 18th century, it became common for people to exchange handwritten letters and other signs of affection, stated by history.com.
Modern traditions focus on showing appreciation for people around us that we care about. There are multiple different ways people express their love of Valentine’s Day. People often purchase a bouquet of flowers, write a heartfelt letter, or buy a heart-shaped box of chocolate.
Today, Valentine’s Day has expanded to celebrate all forms of love making it a day to appreciate family, friends, and significant others. The holiday continues to evolve while keeping its central message of caring for others and expressing love, gratitude, and connection.
