The History and Facts of Valentine Day

Are you aware of Valentine’s Day or have you ever heard of St. Valentine? This day is celebrated on 14th February every year and on this day, people all over the world present some wonderful gifts to their loved ones like chocolates, candies, flowers and other gift items as a token of their love. Unlike in the previous years, today, the restaurants as well as the other eateries are witnessing an increasing number of couples, particularly young men and women, who visit these eating joints not only to spend some valuable time together but also to celebrate their precious relationship and enjoy some delicious dishes together at the same time.

Valentine Day History in a Nutshell

Do you know the terrifying truth behind Valentine’s Day? According to one legend, there was an imprisoned man called Valentine who was in love with the daughter of his jailor. Before being put to death, Valentine sent the first “Valentine” when he wrote a beautiful letter to his lover, the jailor’s daughter, and signed “Your Valentine” which is used on the cards meant for Valentine’s Day even today!

As per another legend, Valentine was a priest who served Rome during the 3rd century. During that time, an emperor, known as Claudius II, was of the opinion that men who were single were better soldiers compared to those who were married. So he outlawed marriage in the hope of creating a strong military base. But Valentine thought that this verdict was simply unfair and he started marrying young couples in a secret manner. But when Claudius II came to know about this, he killed him.

As per Roman mythology, Cupid, the son of Venus, the Goddess of love, is also regarded as a valentine gentleman. Eros, the God of love, is his counterpart in Greek mythology. Cupid is known to be a very mischievous boy who keeps on wounding Gods as well as human beings with his arrows so that they can fall in Love!
Amazing Valentines Day Facts

Just check out some interesting Valentine’s Day facts:

• February 14 was declared as St. Valentine’s Day by Pope Gelasius around 498 A.D;
  
• The celebration of Valentine’s Day that takes place today is believed to have originated from England and France;
• Love birds, hearts, doves, roses, arrows and Cupid are all regarded as symbols of Valentine’s Day celebration;
• During the medieval times, girls used to have peculiar food on Valentine’s Day to dream about their would-be husband;
• During the Middle ages, it was believed that the first person belonging to the opposite sex whom you met on the morning of Valentine’s Day would become your spouse;
  
• Richard Cadbury introduced the first box of chocolates meant for Valentine’s Day in the year 1868;
• Red rose was regarded as the favorite color of the Roman Goddess of love, Venus. This color symbolizes strong romantic feelings and hence is treated as the flower of love.