Origin and meaning of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day (February 14) is the day the world celebrates love between couples and expresses love for each other. The origin of Valentine’s Day is not all roses, chocolates and love-filled cards. This holiday originates from a tragic story and is associated with a noble sacrifice to protect the human right to love.

Origin and meaning of Valentine's Day February 14

There are many legends associated with the birth of Valentine's Day. According to the most popular legend, Valentine was the name of a priest under the Roman Emperor Claudius II. In the 3rd century, the Roman Empire, with its expansionist ambitions, created many brutal bloody wars, many lives were destroyed and people became increasingly afraid of being soldiers.

The ruling power had difficulty recruiting soldiers because men across the empire did not want to leave their families or lovers. Believing that love and marriage were the main reasons men did not want to go to war, the Roman Emperor banned weddings and engagements.

However, a priest named Valentine was determined to perform weddings for many young couples. Although the ceremony was conducted in secret, it was eventually discovered, and Valentine was arrested and sentenced to death. He was beheaded on February 14, 270 after being dragged and stoned to death.

Gradually, February 14th of each year became the day for exchanging messages of love and Saint Valentine became the patron saint of couples. Couples in love celebrate this day by sending each other greetings and giving each other traditional gifts of roses and chocolates.

Portrait of Saint Valentine reconstructed by Brazilian researchers. (Photo: Caters News)

In addition, when mentioning Valentine, people often remember sweet cards with the words "From your Valentine". It is believed that this was the signature of Father Valentine at the bottom of his card.

What to give your lover on Valentine's Day?

On this holiday, couples in love give each other gifts and cards to express their feelings. The most typical gifts are red like roses or sweet flavors like chocolate.

In different countries and regions, the culture of giving gifts on Valentine's Day is different. In Japan, this holiday is an occasion for women to confess their love to their "crush". The gift is usually a box of homemade chocolates to add more meaning. If the boy accepts, the girl will receive a gift in return 1 month later, that is, on March 14 (known as White Valentine).

In addition, Japanese girls also give gifts to friends of the opposite sex and male colleagues on Valentine's Day to express their affection.

What to give your lover on Valentine's Day? (Photo: TH Baker)

In Taiwan (China), on the contrary, February 14 is the day when men give special gifts to the women they like. On White Valentine's Day, March 14, women will return the favor with other meaningful gifts.

In England, couples often give each other sets of silver spoons to express their deep affection. These spoons are meticulously carved with the shape of a key and a lock, meaning that the other person holds the key to their heart.

Valentine's Day in Italy is also known as "Spring Day". Traditionally, couples give each other chestnut chocolates wrapped in special foil printed with famous romantic poems or love confessions.

The US Greeting Card Association records that more than 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged worldwide each year, ranking second only to Christmas. The organization estimates that about 85% of Valentine's card buyers are women.

According to vtc.vn

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