Valentine’s Day is a holiday for lovers. On this day lovers reaffirm their affection for one another. Often they will exchange gifts, have dinner, or spend some intimate time together. Traditional gifts for Valentines Day include roses, chocolates in heart shaped boxes, and greeting cards known as Valentines. Single individuals may send a Valentine’s card or gift to show their romantic interest in someone.

Though the emphasis on Valentine’s Day is on lovers, others also celebrate it. Valentines may be exchanged between parent and child, siblings, classmates, or close friends (especially those of the opposite sex). Some Christian churches hold special services on Saint Valentines Day.

The customs associated with Valentine’s Day (or Saint Valentine’s Day) originated in medieval France and England. It was believed that half way through the second month of the year, songbirds start choosing partners for spring mating. Hence, February 14th became the date on which the holiday is observed. In 14th century France and England, lovers celebrated Saint Valentine’s Day by exchanging lovers tokens and writing love letters.

There are at least three individuals who have the title Saint Valentine. It is uncertain after which of the three the holiday is named. One was a Roman priest. Another was the Bishop of Interamna (modern day Terni). The third was martyred in Africa. One tradition holds, it was Bishop Valentine of Interamna for whom the holiday is named. During the second half of the third century, a roman emperor outlawed the practice of marriage. Bishop Valentine defied the emperor by secretly performing wedding ceremonies. Hence, the holiday honoring Saint Valentine became a holiday consecrated to love and romance.

Note: This holiday is one of Calendar Mine's over 500 built-in observances.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

American (USA) Observances