2007-02-13 22:43:08 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Valentine's Day
The fact that it is the one day that people can be romantic to the point of barking mad lunacy and get away with it.
--That Cheeky Lad
2007-02-13 23:34:19 · answer #1 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Valentine's Day is also known as the 'Eve of Roman Lupercalia'. This was a time of great celebration, a celebration of youthful love. Chance seemed to play a large part in this festival as sweethearts were chosen by a system similar to a lottery. Since Ancient Greek and Roman times this day has held a central focus in the folkloric calendar.
More recent traditions involve men and women exchanging cards which contained love dedications or even marriage proposals, each highly decorative, hand-made and personally designed. This tradition commenced in the Middle Ages. The sender then as now should never sign the card as it was considered to bring bad luck. Of course it also stifles any idea of guessing who might be in love with you. The idea of the secret admirer has long charmed both men and women alike.
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2007-02-14 07:09:34 · answer #2 · answered by RG 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
2007-02-14 06:49:40 · answer #3 · answered by BARROWMAN 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you are a shareholder in Hallmark or a florist you would feel special for sure.
Other than that it is just a way to get suckers to part with their cash in a hurry.... IMHO of course.
2007-02-14 06:53:20 · answer #4 · answered by darklydrawl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who cares about the meaning behind it, or why the date was put there? Let's all just take this opportunity to show anyone we love that we love them! It's like, why is Christmas in December when we think Jesus was born in September? Or why does the date of Easter change every year? Who cares? Let's just celebrate! Enjoy the day!
2007-02-14 06:48:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It shows that all couples are in love and today is the day when they do truly show their feelings towards each other.
2007-02-14 06:47:44 · answer #6 · answered by kerry n 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋