History of the Valentine’s Day
Most of us celebrate Valentine’s Day in all its glory but not many know about the history it holds. Why is it themed in red color? Why is it called “Valentine’s” Day? What is the purpose behind its celebration and how did it come about? Although Valentine’s Day has a vague history which has now also been marred by a fusion of traditions and cultures that have infiltrated it over the centuries, this article will try and answer some of the questions that are raised about it. So in case you’re looking for the history of Valentine’s Day or somebody has asked you about it and you don’t know the answer, read on.
Instructions
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Saint Valentine’s Day, or Valentine’s Day as it is usually called, is celebrated every year on the 14th of February. Valentine’s Day takes its name from one and/or more Christian martyrs who were known as Saint Valentine’s and was originated by Pope Gelasius in 496 AD, who was the third and last Bishop of Rome in the Catholic Church. This day is known to have started signifying love in the High Middle Ages when traditions like courtly love thrived in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer.
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Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni are known to be the inspirations behind the Valentine’s Day’s name. One was a priest in Rome and the other was a bishop of Intermna who is thought to have lost his life at the time of persecution under Emperor Aurelian’s rule.
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Valentine’s Day is said to have taken its linkage with love and romantic elements as early as in 1400 when a “High Court of love” was established in Paris on Valentine’s Day which dealt with matters related to women, deception and love contracts.
There on, in 1797, printers producing cards that had verses that were called “Mechanical Valentine’s.” This gained popularity and by the early 19th century, Valentine’s were made with real lace and ribbons. This is how what we see now of Valentine’s Day was established, as different traditions and cultures of countries started mixing before finally creating a unified theme and using the red color to signify passion.
