Valentine’s Day: Through the Ages

Also known as ‘Lover’s holiday’- Valentine’s Day is more than a commercial holiday, popularized by lovers. This accusation may be true to an extent but Valentine Day was never a global phenomenon, as it is today. This romantic hoo-ha certainly has a tarnished reputation, but the largest amount of blame goes to the misinterpretations or rather incomplete information about this much-anticipated event. So before celebrating Valentine’s Day with loved ones or criticizing it, it’s better to know some lesser-known facts and the scandalous history that surrounds it.

Lupercalia-Roman festival of fertility and purification

Many historians believe that the lover's rendezvous that’s common to present day Valentine's celebration actually dates back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia. This festival was celebrated in Rome, somewhere around February 15th to release health and fertility.

Here comes the scandalous part, this ritual involved raucous naked men with goatskin whips who ran around spanking young maidens, believing this would increase their fertility. This pagan ritual thankfully was banned after the conversion of Europe to Christianity under Constantine. However, the legend around Valentine continues, often relating it with this sordid act performed at this pagan festival.

Honoring the Patron St. Valentine?

This legend is the most plausible one, wherein the reign of Claudius II forbade young men to marry to reinforce them in his army. However, Valentine protested this decree against love by going against the law and secretly marrying the couples. His treason, however, was discovered and he was beheaded. Although he was victim to this barbaric punishment, this martyred saint certainly remains eternal among lovers who celebrate this day with much pomp and celebration.

Some other myths claim that Valentine was a Christian Priest who performed miracles and was thus beheaded. On the night before his execution, he addressed the jailor’s daughter in a farewell letter, signing himself as ‘Your Valentine’. Henceforth, this phrase many believe is what led to the origin of this day.

Cupid- the symbol of love

The Roman god of love, Cupid is the official symbol of love and can be seen in cards, figurines, and showpieces as the mascot of this love fest. Portrayed as a young boy with wings and a bow and arrow, this cheeky Cupid is famous for shooting his arrows and making lovers fall in love with his matchmaking techniques.

Valentine Day in the Modern Society

Incorporating various romantic trends from different centuries, Valentine's Day is certainly an occasion that ceases to be traditional. Whether it’s flowers initiated by the Victorians or greeting cards that were first made by hand in the 16th Century, Valentine’s Day opens its arm to lovers and traditions alike.

Now, that you have been updated with legends and myths around this infamous occasion feel free to check out these Valentine Day gifts that are making the rounds this season.

·         Lavish flowers arrangement and bouquets

·         Chocolates and teddy bears

·         Valentine-themed cakes

·         Sweets and candies

·         Gift Baskets and Hampers

·         Sparkling Jewelry

·         Personalized Mugs, Photo Frames, Cushions and Knickknacks