As I am sure you all have figured out, I love the history behind things. So, for Valentine's Day, I did my research to find some strange but cool facts!
The Tale of Valentine’s Day: A Journey Through Time
Maybe even share with the kids!
In ancient Rome there existed a loud and crazy festival called Lupercalia that took place during ancient times. People once celebrated spring's arrival through exuberant dancing and laughter. The festival attracted everyone and they all came together to share in the joyous celebrations of love and the aspirations for fresh start in spring.
This festival would be considered unusual by modern-day standards. People enjoyed themselves in ancient Rome, while a mysterious event was taking place. Women would gently touch special goat hides believing this action would enhance their fertility and deliver happiness throughout the following year. Young men and women engaged in playful romantic antics while dancing and laughter blended with mischievous elements during their joyful search for love in the lively chaos!
Pope Gelasius I. Observed the festivities and envisioned a greater romantic elements within them; this led him to give Lupercalia a romantic makeover. This marked the start of a delightful transformation.
Despite Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages, a brave priest named Valentine secretly performed wedding ceremonies for couples in love. Valentine's belief in celebrating love transformed him into a clandestine champion of romance. Valentine’s secret wedding ceremonies enraged the Emperor, who then demanded his execution. True heroes leave lasting legacies, and Valentine’s spirit continues to endure. February 14th became eternally associated with love because of his ultimate sacrifice.
Over time poets including Chaucer and Shakespeare transformed February 14th into a special day where people can express their genuine love. People began crafting personalized Valentine's cards with their enchanting love poems on them. This made the day full of anticipation and thrill. Imagine lovestruck individuals who put their careful attention into crafting cards while drawing doodles and composing sweet messages to express their feelings. It was a labor of love!
The 19th century marked the beginning of mass-produced Valentine’s cards created by clever people who aimed to distribute joy more effectively. Hallmark Cards revolutionized Valentine’s Day card exchange in 1913, and today, millions of cards are sent annually, establishing Valentine’s Day as the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas. Oh, and here’s a fun fact: Women buy most of these cards and use their creative skills to forge connections of love! lol
And what’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate? There exists a legend claiming that chocolate improves heart health while also creating romantic feelings. Richard Cadbury, a genius entrepreneur, invented heart-shaped chocolate boxes specifically for this romantic occasion. What joy would you feel when a box arrives filled with sweet surprises inside? (I hope I get one!)
South Korea celebrates “Black Day” as a fun alternative to Valentine’s Day where those people who did not receive gifts come together to eat black noodles while exchanging stories to transform a potentially melancholy day into a celebration of friendship.
Valentine’s Day originated from laughter, kindness, and the brave expression of love. Now, we celebrate it with hearts, cards, and chocolates. Experience happiness as a family while designing unique cards, and make sure to spread laughter.
Single? Write a love poem and be a secret admirer. Maybe even make a homemade card expressing your feelings.
Sign it or not...it is up to you!
If nothing else, make someone smile on Valentine's Day or pay it forward with a good deed.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! I can't wait for my delicious chocolate!
