Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14th in many countries around the world. It is a day to celebrate love which is considered as one of the most beautiful feelings.
History of Valentine’s Day
The real and confirmed origin of Valentine’s Day is not very clear. However there are several legends associated with the day. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. Two of the Valentines lived in Italy in the third century; one as a priest at Rome, the other as bishop of Terni. A third St. Valentine was martyred in North Africa. One legend says that Valentine was a priest in Rome during the rule of Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor had passed a decree stating that soldiers should not be allowed to get married because he believed that soldiers would be distracted and unable to concentrate on fighting if they were married. Valentine disobeyed Emperor Claudius II's decree that soldiers remain bachelors and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. As a result of his defiance, Valentine was put to death.
A related legend has it that while awaiting his sentence in prison, Valentine was approached by his jailor who had a blind daughter. Valentine who had saintly abilities healed the jailor's daughter. Meanwhile a deep friendship had been formed between Valentine and Asterius' daughter and he fell in love with her. Before his execution he is believed to have sent a greeting to the girl and signed a farewell message to her "From Your Valentine,” a phrase that is used even today.
It is also said that he feast of St. Valentine was first declared to be on February 14 by Pope Gelasius I around 498. It is believed that Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine's feast day in the middle of February to counter and “Christianize" the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. The ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia was Held on February 15. This was a fertility festival held in honour of Lupercus (or Faunus), the god of fertility as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.
How is Valentine’s Day Celebrated?
Valentine’s Day is a day on which people express their love for each other by sending Valentine's Day cards, flowers or chocolates along with messages of love. People also celebrate this day by gifting soft toys, jewellery etc. to their loved ones. Common symbols that are seen on Valentine’s Day are hearts, red roses and the figure of the winged Cupid. Many couples also schedule a romantic dinner date on Valentine's Day. Restaurants and eateries are seen to be filled with couples who come to celebrate their relationship and the joy of their togetherness on this day. People take time out from their daily schedule and plan different and unique ways to celebrate and surprise their loved ones on this very special occasion. May people choose Valentine’s Day as the day to propose to their partners, while others choose to get married or get engaged on February 14.
Valentine’s Day and has become a booming commercial success. Gifts shop gear up for occasion and sell many merchandize for the couples to gift each other. Special discounts are announced on many types of merchandise for this special occasion. In recent years jewellers are also making the most of the occasion and discounts are offered on various jewellery items , especially diamonds. Restaurants and diners gear up to welcome the couples with special decorations and even special menu for the day.
Even though Valentine’s Day is a popular western observance in the most recent years Valentine’s Day has become widely recognized in India as well. It has quickly gained popularity among young urban people. On this day people especially young are seen flocking the malls, eating joints, cinema halls and parks to celebrate the day of love.