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Valentine’s Day: no matter how it started, plan to celebrate the one you love According to a very old set of encyclopedias on my parent's book shelf in their basement, Feb. 14 marked the day of the Feast of St. Valentine (Valentinus) of Italy since sometime in the Middle Ages. The feast was regarded as the “lover's festival,” which coincided with the belief that “every bird chooses its mate on St. Valentine's Day.” On that given day, a friend or sweetheart was chosen as a “valentine” for the rest of the year and in some parts of Italy, the first person met of the opposite sex on that day was that person's valentine. Over the years, the customs of the festival apparently changed from giving gifts to sending cards or messages of usually a “comic or satiric” nature. The dusty encyclopedia goes on to explain that the custom nearly died out in the 19th Century, but remained a popular activity among children in schools. However, Valentine's Day has surely survived and has clearly been ingrained into our society. The original roots of Valentine's Day was apparently about finding courtly or romantic love and by giving small tokens or gifts like flowers or notes to the person (or people I suppose) of your choosing. Is that the way it is today? Maybe, perhaps, just on a higher spectrum that includes jewelry, expensive dinner reservations and other lavish gifts. But as Canadians prepare for the “work day holiday,” how are other countries around the world preparing to celebrate. In Russia for example, things are reportedly status quo as the holiday only became popular after the collapse of the USSR, so Olympic athletes in Sochi looking for a Valentine shouldn't find things too different. In China, “Lover's Festival” is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month, as Feb. 14 is too close to the Chinese New Year. In Finland and Estonia, Feb. 14 is not only about swooning over your loved one, but is also a considered a day to think about and cherish your friends. In Portugal it is commonly referred to as “Dia dos Namorados” (Lover's Day or Day of the Enamoured) and in Wales many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St. Dwynwen's Day) on Jan. 25 to commemorate the patron saint of Welsh Lovers. Some folk traditions even involved a man who delivered candy and tokens to children, much like Santa. However, over the years most celebrations have become heavily influenced on the western world's Valentine's Day traditions. Aside from all the candy and flowers, Feb. 14 also marks an important day in some religions. St. Valentine's Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates the day, but in the summer. In the meantime, regardless of how you plan to celebrate, remember that the real purpose of Valentine's Day is to celebrate the one you love. By Jeff Doner |
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Post date: 2014-02-12 17:19:21 Post date GMT: 2014-02-12 22:19:21 Post modified date: 2014-02-19 11:43:33 Post modified date GMT: 2014-02-19 16:43:33 |
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