Valentine’s Day, the story of how and where to celebrate
Valentine’s Day is about the most romantic holiday and also about liturgical celebrations.
Also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine.
Read here where you pretty much for sure would have a wonderful Valentine´s Day.
Where do you celebrate Valentine´s Day?
Valentine´s Day is observed and celebrated by Christian people in many countries:
Anglican Communion
Lutheran Church
Traditional Catholicism
What is this celebration about?
It is a Christian romantic, cultural, and commercial observance, all in one.
Significance Feast day of Saint Valentine; the celebration of love and affection.
Observances Sending greeting cards and gifts, dating, church services
When is Valentine’s?
February 14 a Wednesday in 2024
(fixed by the Western Christian Church)
July 6
(fixed by the Eastern Orthodox Church)
July 30
(fixed by the Eastern Orthodox Church)
Valentine’s Day
Why is it named after a Saint?
Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
There are a number of martyrdom stories associated with various Valentines connected to February including an account of the imprisonment of Saint Valentine of Rome for ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire in the third century. According to an early tradition, this saint restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. Numerous later additions to the legend have better related it to the theme of love: an 18th-century embellishment to the legend claims he wrote the jailer’s daughter a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell before his execution. Another addition posits that he performed weddings for Christian soldiers who were forbidden to marry.
Who started the Feast of Saint Valentine?
The Feast of Saint Valentine was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honour of Saint Valentine of Rome, who died on that date in AD 269. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the “lovebirds” of early spring. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
In Italy, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart”, as well as to children to ward off epilepsy (called Saint Valentine’s Malady).
Saint Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday in any country, although it is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran Church. Many parts of the Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day on July 6 in honor of Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and on July 30 in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni).
Valentine’s Day USA
Where to celebrate the Day
As a good example, let´s turn to USA; nowhere is it bigger.
The trend of written love poems around Valentine’s Day arose much later in modern England. Many lovers were unable to write euphonious lyrics themselves to communicate their feelings. Therefore, they enlisted the help of authors and publishers.
The tradition’s final commercialization is due to the arrival of mass printing of poetic Valentine’s cards. Since the middle of the 19th century, the lovers’ celebration has been one of the most popular holidays among Americans.
How do Americans celebrate this special day?
Nowhere in the world is Valentine’s Day celebrated as intensely as in the United States. Almost like at Christmas, the stores are filled with rose-colored products weeks in advance.
One should not underestimate the seriousness with which the Americans spend this day. If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the USA, you have to stock up properly.
Candygrams
The Candygram
Many Americans send their “crush” a sign of admiration with a “candygram.” The all-American combination of candy and a lovingly designed card is widespread in US schools, where the candygram is delivered directly to the classroom.
Most people in love opt for the anonymous variant so that their beloved doesn’t find out who is in love with them for the time being.
Proposal on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days for marriage proposals in the USA. More than six million Americans are likely to get down on one knee on February 14th. At least, that’s what an analysis by American Express suggests, nad they should know.
A Valentine to everyone you like, not just for romance
Good news: Valentine’s Day is not just for romantic love victims. Also, the best friend, your grandpa, teacher, and your favorite colleague from the office may and should get a greeting on this day.
What do Americans do on Valentine’s Day?
Whether it’s with your crush or friends and family, the main thing to focus on during this day is not sitting at home alone. Here’s what’s common in the US:
Romantic dinner
No rules: cook it yourself, have it delivered, or sit in the park with a picnic blanket – anything is possible.
Watching romantic comedies
The big movie studios and streaming services like to schedule their releases on Valentine’s Day. So there’s plenty to smile about in the home theater and on the big screen.
Valentine’s getaway
An extended, leisurely getaway with the family is also trendy. The “framily” (i.e., the surrogate family made of friends) can join in as well.
Going to church on Valentine’s Day
Many religious Americans are drawn to church on Valentine’s Day, even though it is not a religious holiday. Often, Catholic churches offer special services with a blessing for lovers.
Anti-Valentine’s Day activities, now that is a new one!
The day can also be annoying. Anyone who has no desire for cheesiness can therefore join the anti-Valentine’s Day movement.
Valentine’s Day haters give each other ironic anti-gifts, inedible sweets, and hate poems with bad-tempered messages. Also widespread are karaoke nights with anti-love songs and events with free admission for anyone who presents a photo of their ex-partner.
Bargain shopping with Valentine’s discounts, Black Friday lookalike
If you’re tired of Valentine’s Day’s interpersonal aspects, head to the Internet and cash in. Every brand that can be even slightly associated with human affection is giving hefty discounts around Valentine’s.
Not a day for the first date
The romantic pressure is just too high on Valentine’s Day for the first date with someone you don’t know. Therefore, you should instead choose another day for the get-to-know-you session.
Don’t exclude anyone
Especially among school kids, there’s a great danger that someone will be left out while everyone else is competing for popularity with Valentine’s cards. Make sure no one in your surroundings is left out.
Rather honest than expensive
A $200 luxury bouquet is no substitute for an honest expression of affection. Therefore, put less commercial stress on yourself and focus more on what you want to express.
It’s about them, not you
Everything you do on Valentine’s Day has one goal: to show people they are liked and loved. It’s not about winning a trophy or conquering someone.
Roses are for lovers only
If you’re giving flowers to someone other than your crush or partner, they shouldn’t be roses. According to Valentine’s etiquette, these are sort of reserved for romantic love.
Getaways for celebration Saint Valentine´s day
