Traditionally, it is a Christian holiday celebrating Saint Valentinus. He was imprisoned many times for performing marriages for soldiers who were not allowed to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were being persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to legend, he healed his jailer's daughter and wrote a letter to her signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell before his execution.
The day wasn't associated with love in particular until around the Middle Ages, when courting was popular. A gentleman would present a woman with flowers and cards ("valentines") to show his affection for her.
Paper valentines became popular in 19th century England, when new factories were built just to mass-produce the cards. Around the end of the 20th century, people increasingly began giving other gifts besides exchanging cards. They started giving each other roses (eugh) and chocolates (gross).
Liturgically, the Anglican Church now has a St. Valentine's Day (the Feast of Saint Valentine) service, which includes the optional rite of marriage vow renewal.
Here are some facts about the holiday:
1. It is not the most popular greeting card holiday. Whaat? Well, it is number 2 on the list, right after Christmas.
2. The chocolate box has been around for more than 140 years. The first Valentine's Day box of chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.
3. Pets really are like family. Based on retail statistics, about 3% of people will give valentines to their pets.
4. In Finland, Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä. That translates to "Friend's Day".
5. There is a reason for chocolate. Physicians in the 1800's referred patients to chocolate to help calm their pining for lost love.
6. More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold. That's over $1 billion worth!
7. There's a reason for roses, too. They were the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
8. There are tons of proposals. Around 220,00, to be exact.
9. About 8 billion candy hearts will be produced this year. That’s enough candy to stretch from Rome, Italy to Valentine, Arizona 20 times and back again.
10. Over 50 million roses are given on this day each year. That's worldwide.
Now for my spill on the subject.
Let's just get right down to it: I don't like this as a romantic holiday. Not because I'm single and wallowing in my own self-pity (because I'm not). Don't get me wrong; I LOVE love. It's just that I have a few problems with how this day is viewed and celebrated.
The modern idea of this holiday is showing someone that you love them by giving them a piece of paper that says it rather than showing it. And no, showing someone you love them does not mean buying them a dozen roses or a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Don't you think that's kind of ridiculous? "Showing" your love on one day out of the whole year? Are you kidding me?
If Valentine's Day is about love and affection, then every day should be called Valentine's Day. We shouldn't take just one day of the year (excluding anniversaries) to express how much (or how little) we love someone.
I am not a part of the Catholic, Anglican, or Lutheran churches, but I understand why Valentine's Day is more of a religious holiday for them. It celebrates the bravery of a martyred Saint, which is a good reason for remembrance and celebration of how far Christianity has come.
As far as I'm concerned, modern Valentine's Day just another day of the year. We should show the same love and compassion every day, whether it's verbally, emotionally, or physically.
Love is old, love is new
Love is all, love is you
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