Why Valentine’s Day Is Celebrated

February 14 is Valentine’s Day in many parts of the world. Lovers use it to give each other small gifts and spend a romantic day with their partner. It is the only time when men buy more flowers than women. Some sceptics argue that Valentine’s Day is an invention of flower sellers, especially as florists can make huge sales on this day. But this is not true. Where does the tradition come from? In this article, we will explain why Valentine’s Day celebrated is.

Where Valentine’s Day came from

Saint Valentine is considered the “Father of Valentine’s Day”. He lived in the 3rd century and was Bishop of Interamna, today’s Terni in Umbria in central Italy. Many traditions also speak of a Valentine of Rome. This may be the same person. Today there are so many myths and legends about Valentine of Terni that one can assume that the stories of different people were mixed up or that some were simply invented or falsely told.

Valentine of Terni certainly died as a martyr. He was allegedly executed on 14 February 269 AD. 200 years later, the Church, therefore, established 14 February as a day of remembrance. This is how Valentine’s Day came into being in its original sense.

What Valentine’s Day is really about

The legends surrounding the life and work of St. Valentine have contributed to the significance of Valentine’s Day. These include, for example, the following stories:

• Valentine of Terni was allegedly known as a miracle healer. As a result, he is said to have won many people over to the Christian faith, which landed him in prison during the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. During his time in prison, he is said to have healed the blind daughter of an overseer and sent her a love letter before his death, which he signed “Your Valentine”.
• As a priest, Valentine of Terni is said to have married lovers in a Christian way, despite the prohibition. In many stories, this is the reason for his execution. Especially for soldiers marriage was forbidden at that time, and exactly those are said to have married bishop Valentine with their beloved women.
• According to legend, Bishop Valentine was also an avid gardener. He is said to have given flowers to all lovers who passed by his monastery garden. He also gave (illicitly) plants to the bridal couples he married in Christianity.

Can Valentine’s Day be for friends or family?

Although Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers to celebrate their love for each other, it can also be for friends and family.  In addition to the partner, family members, friends and colleagues are increasingly given presents. It doesn’t matter if you’re not in a relationship, because Valentine’s Day can still be about love and appreciation. It doesn’t just have to be about your partner or spouse.

There is nothing better than a romantic evening for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So, we have created a list of movies that will make you fall in love with your partner all over again.

• Love Story (1970)
• Ghost (1990)
• Pretty Woman (1990)
• Notting Hill (199)
• Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)
• Gone With The Wind (1939)
• Love Actually (2003)
• Casablanca (1942)
• A Room With A View (1986)
• The Shape Of Water (2017)

Surprising facts about Valentine’s Day

• In Malaysia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Pakistan, Valentine’s Day is forbidden to celebrate! Anyone caught with flowers, chocolate or a glass of wine on this occasion will be severely punished.
• In Japan, women give chocolates to their men. The men return the favour on March 14, known as “White Day,” by giving the women white chocolate, underwear and/or jewellery.
• Most greeting cards are not given on Valentine’s Day at all, but at Christmas.
• Most Valentine’s Day cards go to teachers.
• Three-quarters of all men buy flowers on February 14.
• Your pet can also become your Valentine. About 3% of pet lovers give their pets a little extra attention on this day.
• Valentine’s gifts are most often bought by women-especially for themselves.