Exploring the origins, traditions, and symbolism of Valentine’s Day
Given that Valentine’s Day falls right around the end of football season, we’ve turned the month of February into chick flick month – except for Super Bowl Sunday of course. This is a wife’s reward for maintaining her enthusiasm throughout pig-skin season. And the cherry on top? Mr. Fixit takes charge of movie selection with impeccable taste.
Valentine’s Day offers the opportunity to turn up the volume on our expressions of love but what is the story behind this charming holiday?
- Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine, a third-century Roman saint. The exact origins of the holiday are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been associated with love and romance since the Middle Ages.
- Cupid, the Roman god of love, is often depicted as a winged cherub with a bow and arrow. Legend has it that anyone struck by Cupid’s arrow will fall in love.
- The first Valentine’s Day card is believed to have been sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in the early 15th century.
- Richard Cadbury, of the Cadbury chocolate company, introduced the first heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in 1861.
- Roses, particularly red roses, are a symbol of love and passion and are commonly exchanged on Valentine’s Day. Other symbols associated with the holiday include hearts, Cupid, doves, and lovebirds.
- While Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in many countries, customs and traditions vary. In Japan, for example, it is customary for women to give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day, while men reciprocate on White Day, which is celebrated on March 14th.
- Valentine’s Day is a significant commercial holiday, with millions of people around the world spending money on gifts, cards, flowers, and romantic dinners. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans alone spent over $20 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2021.
- Red and pink are the traditional colors of Valentine’s Day, symbolizing love, and passion. These colors are often used in decorations, gifts, and cards associated with the holiday.
- Not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day, and some people even observe Anti-Valentine’s Day events or parties to protest the commercialization of the holiday. These events may include activities like watching horror movies, indulging in comfort food, or simply spending time with friends.
- February is also American Heart Month, so Valentine’s Day is sometimes used as an opportunity to raise awareness about heart health and encourage people to take care of their cardiovascular health.
It’s evident that this holiday transcends mere chocolates and roses. It’s a reminder to cherish our loved ones, to express gratitude for the relationships that enrich our lives, and to embrace the beauty of love in all its forms.
Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, family, or even indulging in self-love, Valentine’s Day serves as a tender reminder of the power of affection and connection. So, as we exchange tokens of devotion and bask in the warmth of heartfelt gestures, let’s carry the spirit of Valentine’s Day with us every day, nurturing and honoring the bonds that make life truly meaningful.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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