Valentine's Day is a special day celebrated in many countries on February 14 of each year. Originating from the belief of the Roman Catholic Church, this day emerged as a feast day declared in the name of a cleric named Valentine. For this reason, it is known as "Saint Valentin's Day" in some societies. The word Valentine is also used in Western civilizations to mean a person or a lover.
Today, in some societies, it continues as a special day where lovers receive gifts and send cards to each other. According to estimates, around 1 billion cards are sent around the world on February 14. In addition to this, sales are increasing in the market due to gift purchases.
February fertility festivals
The relationship of mid-February with love dates back to ancient times. In the ancient Greek calendar, the time between mid-January and mid-February was called the month of Gamelion and was dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera.
In ancient Rome, February 15 was celebrated as the day of Lupercalia, in honor of the fertility god Lupercus. On this day, the clergy of Lupercus would sacrifice a goat to the god. They would then run through the streets of Rome, symbolizing Lupercus, with a piece of goat skin they put on their heads, and touch everyone they encountered. Young girls would voluntarily step forward and try to get their share of the fertility god's touch. According to the belief, their fertility would be easier with this touch.
On February 14, the eve of the festival of Lupercalia, young boys had a habit of being 'couples' during the holiday by drawing a summer lot for the names of young girls. In 469, the Pope prohibited this non-Christian holiday, allowing only the drawing of lots. However, the lottery now included the names of the saints, not the girls.
Valentine
In the 1908 Catholic Encyclopedia's list of former martyrs, there are three Saint Valentine, recorded on February 14, killed for their faith. The connection between romantic love and Valentine is never mentioned in historical documents and is only a legend according to some historians. The day of celebration in honor of Valentine was announced by Pope Gelasius on February 14, 496. In 1969, the day of St. Valentine was removed from the church calendar.
Today is Valentine's Day
February 14 has been a social event celebrated by many people since the American Esther Howland sent her first Valentine's Day card in the 1800's. As a natural consequence of this, the commercial aspect of the event has gained a lot of importance, and Valentine's Day has become a period when trade is revived all over the world.
On the Valentine's Day, almost everyone gives gifts to their lovers or spouses that are integrated with the spirit of this day and express their love to the other party. Flowers and chocolate are at the top of these gifts.
Couples often spend their Valentine's Day alone. A romantic meal alone or a romantic table prepared at home are among the most common celebrations. The couples make an effort to make Valentine's Day special too. Some couples buy clothes and underwear that are unique to this day and that emphasize sexuality. The most preferred color is red, which symbolizes passion. In addition, Valentine's Day is a day of numerous marriage proposals.