New Delhi: The annual ‘Love Season’ or the particular week dedicated to love and romance have finally arrived. The day which is contemporarily called “Valentine’s day” is also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine or Saint Valentine’s Day.
The day, 14th of February each year has its own culture, and traditions and is connected with a rich history. However, love doesn’t have to be exhibited on just one day or by giving and receiving things. Nevertheless, this unique day will enrich the lives of lovers in numerous ways. Valentine’s week is the period of time leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Who was Saint Valentine?
Valentine’s Day honors not just Valentine of Rome but also Valentine of Terni, two saints. Pope Galesius elevated Valentine of Rome to the list of saints in 496, but he had already died as a martyr 200 years before, in 296. It is said that Valentine of Rome assisted Christians who were being persecuted by the Roman Empire and officiated marriages for soldiers who were not allowed to wed.
According to legend, before being executed, he gave the judge’s blind daughter her sight and hearing and sent her a note addressed to “Your Valentine.”
Although Valentine’s Day is mostly recognized in the modern centuries as a commercial celebration of romance, its history is more complex. Although no one is quite certain why it is observed on February 14th, it is thought that it may be the anniversary of Valentine of Rome’s burial. The day gained popularity in the 18th century when individuals began to share presents and cards with their romantic partners.
More about the day in history:
It can be said that the confession of love through writing poems, love letters, and long paragraphs may have been started by gaining inspiration from the father of English Literature, Geoffrey Chaucer.
The Geoffrey Chaucer poem “Parliament of Fowls,” from 1382, which is translated as One of the earliest accounts of Valentine’s Day is, “For this was on St. Valentine’s Day, when every bird cameth…. It may help to explain why Valentine’s Day is connected to romance and why couples are referred to as “love birds” since it refers to the bird breeding season starting on February 14, which was the acknowledged date at the time.
Significance of the special day:
This day is observed in a manner that is reminiscent of the middle-of-February Lupercalia festival in Rome. Faunus, the Roman deity of agriculture, is honoured at the festival, according to some further sources. There are no public holidays around the world that honour Valentine’s Day. In recent years, the importance of this day has become a popular cultural theme.
