Amidst the pressure of choosing the perfect gift, picking a great date spot and capturing the ultimate Instagram post, it can be hard to remember what the holiday actually is about.
Understanding Valentine’s Day’s depth and significance will ensure that your celebration is meaningful and resonant with true love.
Countdown to Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to express your love and appreciation for those around you. From understanding the historical tapestry behind this cherished holiday to crafting personalised gestures and last-minute inspirations, this comprehensive guide will help you curate an unforgettable experience.
The countdown to Valentine’s Day begins with Valentine’s Week, a seven-day celebration that began on February 7 and culminates in the big day on February 14. Every day of the week is dedicated to a different facet of love – Rose Day, Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Kiss Day, and Hug Day.
The name ‘Valentine’s Day’ comes from a Roman festival called Lupercalia, where men would sacrifice goats and dogs and whip women with the hides. This was done in the hopes of increasing fertility. Several saints were named Valentinus, and the holiday became associated with romance after the poet Chaucer linked it to romantic love in the 14th century.
Valentine’s Day History
Although we think of Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday full of candy hearts, flowers, and hard-to-get dinner reservations, the history behind this holiday is actually quite dark. It all starts with the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was held on February 15 and honored a pagan fertility god by sacrificing goats and dogs and whipping women with animal hides.
Historians believe that as Romans converted to Christianity, they merged the saint’s day with their pagan celebrations and named February 14 after two Christian martyrs called Valentine. The identity of these martyrs is murky, but legend says that one was a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by marrying soldiers in secret, and another was a bishop who helped Christians in prison.
In the fourteenth century, handwritten valentines began to replace simple notes, and by the 19th century, printed cards had replaced the handmade variety. The holiday’s association with romance likely stems from the work of the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who reportedly credited the saint with a tale of courtly love in his 14th-century works “The Parlement of Foules” and “The Complaint of Mars.” The theory is further supported by the fact that Chaucer’s pen name was Valentinus.
Valentine’s Day Symbols
A heart-shaped symbol of love is one of the most common Valentine’s Day symbols. It’s also the most popular symbol associated with romance. The heart-shaped symbol is often used in romantic movies, songs, and other forms of art.
Another common Valentine’s Day symbol is Cupid, the Roman god of love. Usually depicted as a winged child with a bow and arrow, the figure originated in Greek mythology as Eros, who was said to have the power to make people fall in love. Later, he was renamed Cupid and became the mischievous match-maker that he is today.
The arrow that is shot from Cupid’s bow symbolizes passionate love and desire. It can also represent the journey of love and the potential for new beginnings. This symbol is often used in art and jewelry to symbolize love. Many couples choose to get arrow tattoos or wear arrow jewelry to show their commitment to each other. It is a beautiful way to express your love and show your partner that you are always there for them.
Valentine’s Day Gifts
Valentine’s Day is about much more than just romantic love. It is an opportunity to celebrate all the people who hold a special place in your heart—whether they are family, friends, platonic partners, or those in “in-between situationships.”
Gifts are an excellent way to show them that you care. While the traditional teddy bears, chocolates and cards are always a great choice, consider something more meaningful that will help them learn and grow as a person.
For example, give your partner a perfume subscription that lets them test out different options until they find their perfect match with Scentbird. Or, help them de-stress with this deep-tissue neck massager that combines heat and kneading technology to relieve tension.
Don’t forget to show your appreciation for the people who make you happy every day. This includes your friends, family, pastor, teacher, coworkers, favorite baristas, the lady or gentleman you see in the grocery store aisle who looks sad, and more.how many days until valentine’s day
