A Brief Overview
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, is an annual celebration that takes place on February 14. Celebrated in many countries globally, it is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection amongst friends and loved ones. The day is named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the 3rd century.
The Historical Context of Valentine’s Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day can be attributed to Saint Valentine who defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree that single men made better soldiers, hence should not be married. Saint Valentine secretly married couples despite this proclamation, which led to his martyrdom. The Church made him a saint and hence, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day of love and commitment.
How is Valentine’s Day Celebrated?
Valentine’s Day is commonly celebrated with the exchange of gifts, such as chocolates, flowers, and cards (known as ‘valentines’) between loved ones. In many societies, it’s also customary to arrange a romantic meal in a restaurant or night in a hotel. Additionally, individuals utilize this opportunity to express love to not just their partners, but friends and family too.
Below are few other ways individuals around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day:
- In Wales, people celebrate by gifting each other with hand-carved wooden spoons, carrying forward a tradition that dates back to the 17th century.
- In Japan and South Korea, women give chocolates not only to their partners, but also to their work colleagues on Valentine’s Day. The following month, men are expected to reciprocate.
- And in Brazil, they delay their romantic celebration to June 12, on Dia dos Namorados, when musical performances and festivals fill the streets.
The Impact of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day provides an economic boost with millions spent on gifts, meals, and outings. In the US alone, the National Retail Federation estimated that 2020 Valentine’s Day spending reached a staggering $27.4 billion, an increase of 32% from 2019.
In conclusion, Valentine’s Day is a tradition rooted in history that allows people across the world to express their love in a variety of ways, while contributing to significant economic activity.
