Valentine's Day : "The Day of Love"

Valentine's Day is a momentous occasion, which is celebrated with great joy, enthusiasm, and love. The day is filled with love and one can express their feelings to their loved ones.

Throughout the world, the month of February is called the month of love. Valentine's Day is celebrated every year on 14 February. Earlier, this festival was widely celebrated in western countries, but today Valentine's Day is celebrated all over the world with great warmth.

History of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is celebrated in remembrance of St. Valentine (Priest). Historically, there are various views about St. Valentine.

St. Valentine is said to be a priest of Church who lived in Rome. At that time, Rome was ruled by King Claudius, who wished that he would become a powerful ruler, for which he had to build an immense army. However, King saw that the people of Rome who have a family, wives, and children do not want to join the military. Then, the ruler made a rule in which he banned all future marriages. As per the ruler, marriage reduces the power and intelligence of men. Later, he issued an order that none of his soldiers or officers will marry. But, Saint Valentine not only opposed and protest this order but also got married.

The protest spread like a thunderstorm, and other soldiers and officers of Emperor Claudius also got hitched. Angry at this, Claudius imprisoned Priest Valentine and sentenced him to death.

When Priest Valentine was in prison, everyone came to meet him and give him gifts like a rose, etc.

St. Valentine was sentenced to death on 14th February 269 AD. He pleaded to keep love alive and sacrificed his life for love and affection. It is also said that St. Valentine had donated his eyes to the jailer's blind daughter Jacobus at the time of his death, and also left a letter in which he wrote 'Your Valentine.'

The selfless love and sacrifice of St. Valentine also won the hearts of people. Therefore, to honor St. Valentine, 14th February is commemorated as Valentine's Day.

Significance of Valentine's Day in different countries

Valentine's Day began in America to memorize St. Valentine. Firstly, this day was celebrated in America, and then it started observing in England. Afterward, it gradually started lauding all over the world. In some countries, it is also observed with different names. In China, it is known as 'Nights of Sevens,' while in Japan and Korea, it is known as 'White Day.’ In India, Valentine's Day celebrations started around 1992.

Why and how do we celebrate Valentine's Day?

Festivals like Diwali, Rakhi, Christmas, Holi are observed to deepens the culture as well as traditions and spend some quality time with family and friends. To express love does not need any particular day, but in the fast pace of time or busy schedules, it is required.

On Valentine's Day, everyone takes out time for their loved ones and express their love while giving surprises, gifts, and make them feel special.

Greetings on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day greetings were also popular until the Middle Ages, hand-written Valentine cards did not appear even after the 14th century. However, the oldest Valentine card still exists. It was sent as a poem by Charles Duke of Orleans to his wife in 1415. At that time, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London during the Agincourt War. This greeting is now part of the British Library's manuscript collection in London, England.

It is believed that several years after this, King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to write a valentine note to Catherine of Vallois. Today, the practice of sending love messages has turned into people giving special cards expressing their affection.

Valentine's Week

Valentine's week is celebrated from 7th February to 14th February to embrace the love, that is why the month of February is known as the 'Month of Love.' In Valentine's week, each day is celebrated in a fascinating way among lovers all over the world, and they eagerly wait for D-Day i.e., Valentine's Day.

Let's know what happens in these seven days of Valentine's Week:

7th February - Rose Day

It is called Rose Day; on this day, people give roses to the ones they love. Every rose has some meaning, like-

White Roses say, "I am sorry."

Yellow Roses are meant for Best Friend.

Pink Roses symbolizes "I Like You."

Red Roses are given to express love.

8 February - Propose Day

It is called Propose Day, which signifies the proposal of your love and affection. One can propose to their beloved.

9 February - Chocolate Day

Chocolate day spreads sweetness and joy. On this day, you can give chocolates to your loved ones.

10th February - Teddy Day

It is called Teddy Bear Day; on this day, the loved one gives gifts to each other. Most people give teddy as a gift.

11th February - Promise Day

It is called Promise Day; on this day, everyone promises to carry their love together forever. Remembering all the promises, they promise to fulfill them.

12th February - Hug Day

It is called Hug Day; on this day, couples express their feelings by staying together. They embrace each other with love and always feel like supporting each other, which will keep them tied even in difficult times.

13th February - Kiss Day

This day is called Kiss Day, on this day everyone spends time with each other, makes every moment a remembrance to cherish them forever.

14th February - Valentine's Day

This is the last day, which is called Valentine's Day, on this day all the couples spend the whole day with each other and make their day of love momentous and special.

It is well said,