St. Valentine's Day has its origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, observed on February 15. Lupercalia celebrated the coming of spring in the Roman calendar (February was observed later in the year than it is today). Lupercalia was associated with the Roman gods Lupercus and Faunus. Lupercus watched over shepherds and their flocks and the festival of Lupercalia became a celebration intended to ensure the fertility of flocks, fields and people.The celebration of Lupercalia spread as the Roman Empire grew. When the Romans conquered France, the first Valentine-like cards were used, in which women had written their names (possibly accompanied by love notes) that later could be used in a lottery to search someone favours.From its association with Lupercalia, St. Valentine's Day associates with love and romance. This led Valentine's enthusiasts to appoint the Roman god Cupid as a patron of Valentine's Day. Cupid is also known as Amour or Eros in Greek mythology. The ancient Greeks believed Eros was the force of «love» that is why Eros seems to have been responsible for impregnating a number of goddesses and mortals.There are several legends about St. Valentine's Day. Each legend stems from real-life martyr known as Valentines who lived in the time of Roman Empire. It is unsure who St. Valentine was, but there are several possible candidates. One of these Valentines is believed to have been a Roman priest and physician. He was put into prison by roman authorities for his teachings and was beheaded on February 14 in the third century A. D. According to the legend he performed a miracle -he cured the blindness of his jailer's daughter. Before the execution, he wrote her a letter signed «From Your Valentine> Another legend says that the same Valentine wrote to children and friends who loved him from the jail. After his death this Valentine was buried in the Roman road Via Flaminia. Pope Julius I is said to have later built a basilica above his grave. One more Saint Valentine candidate, believed to be a bishop of Teni (a province in central Italy), was executed in Rome.According to another legend, Valentine was an Italian bishop who lived at about the same time. He was thrown into prison because he secretly married couples, contrary to the laws of the Roman Empire. The legend says that he was burnt at the stake.February 14 was also a Roman holiday. On this day, young men randomly chose the name of the girl to escort to the festival. The custom of choosing a sweetheart on this day became very popular in the medieval Europe. Later this custom spread to American colonies.Now, St. Valentine's Day is the day of all sweethearts. On this day, people send presents or flowers to those whom they love. Most people send «valentines», greeting cards, named after St. Valentine's letters written in the jail. Valentines can be sentimental and romantic, or funny and friendly. Valentines can be anonymous. Valentines can be heart-shaped. People buy valentines or make them themselves.
There’s freezing rain, and slush, and sleet. The wind is fierce. The skies are gray. I don’t think I’ll go out today. But here inside the weather’s warm. There is no trace of wind or storm. And you just made the morning shine. You said you’d be my Valentine. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th. It isn’t a national holiday. Banks and offices are open this day, but it is a happy little festival in honor of St Valentine, patron sweethearts and lovers. In this day school children typically make valentines for their teachers and classmates and put them in a large decorated mailbox. It is customary on the day to send a “Valentine”, a card with affectionate message to someone you love, or to your best friends or a little present. The greeting cards are often colored red trimmings and pictures of heart. Whatever the reasons, Americans of all ages love to send and receive valentines and to hear and sing the thousands of new and traditional love songs which flood television and radio programs on that day. Among all the red hearts, birds, love letters, candies, chocolates and kisses which comprise symbolism and realia, Cupid or Eros is the unquestioned favorite in personifying the spirit of the day. According to Greek ( later Roman ) tradition. Cupid was the eternally child – like son of Venus, the goddess of love. Although he remained a baby, he could fly and was equipped with a tiny bow and countless golden arrows special power, and that is why if Cupid shot you with his arrow, you would fall in love with the first person you met. So St Valentine’s Day is the day of love for many people.
It’s Valentine’s Day.
And in the street
There’s freezing rain,
and slush, and sleet.
The wind is fierce.
The skies are gray.
I don’t think I’ll go
out today.
But here inside the
weather’s warm.
There is no trace of
wind or storm.
And you just made the
morning shine.
You said you’d be my
Valentine.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th. It isn’t a
national holiday. Banks and offices are open this day, but it is
a happy little festival in honor of St Valentine, patron
sweethearts and lovers. In this day school children typically make
valentines for their teachers and classmates and put them in a
large decorated mailbox. It is customary on the day to send a
“Valentine”, a card with affectionate message to someone you love,
or to your best friends or a little present. The greeting cards
are often colored red trimmings and pictures of heart.
Whatever the reasons, Americans of all ages love to send and
receive valentines and to hear and sing the thousands of new and
traditional love songs which flood television and radio programs
on that day.
Among all the red hearts, birds, love letters, candies,
chocolates and kisses which comprise symbolism and realia, Cupid
or Eros is the unquestioned favorite in personifying the spirit
of the day. According to Greek ( later Roman ) tradition. Cupid
was the eternally child – like son of Venus, the goddess of love.
Although he remained a baby, he could fly and was equipped with
a tiny bow and countless golden arrows special power, and that
is why if Cupid shot you with his arrow, you would fall in
love with the first person you met.
So St Valentine’s Day is the day of love for many people.