Valentine’s Day traditions and interesting facts

Did you know that the first Valentine’s Day card was sent back in the 15th century? Or that there are three patron saints named after St Valentine? Did you know that the first heart-shaped chocolate box was created in 1861?

Valentine’s Day has a long history and many legends. While in other parts of the world 14 February is known as Valentine’s Day, Estonians observe it as Valentine’s Day, following the example of the Finns. In addition to the Nordic countries, the celebration of 14 February is widespread in the United States, England, the Philippines, Australia and many other countries.

History of Valentine’s Day

Celebrations in Old Rome

The tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day dates back to the Roman Empire. It is believed that Juno, the goddess of marriage, childbirth and women, was remembered on 14 February. But more than the goddess’s feast, the Lupercalia celebration, which took place at the same time, was more eagerly awaited.

Although the Lupercalia festival is now associated with Valentine’s Day, in ancient Rome it was far from a celebration of giving flowers and chocolate. Instead, goats were sacrificed and women were whipped with bloody dragon skins. As women often got naked for the occasion, the celebration had an erotic air.

Arguably the most anticipated part of the festival was the proposal of marriage, which allowed you to draw lots to find the name of the mate you would be paired with for the day. Often this adventure ended in love and even marriage.

Day of Love in France

With the intention of Christianising the festival, Pope Gelasius designated 14 February as St Valentine’s Day. In the 15th century, Valentine’s Day in France became a day for spreading love. From there, the celebration of the feast spread like wildfire around the world.

Valentine’s Day in the world

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally. But Valentine’s Day doesn’t look the same everywhere.

South Korea

In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is a time for women to give men chocolates. After a month in April, the men give the women sweets in return. But that’s not all! On the fourteenth of April, unmarried friends get together to celebrate their relationship status by eating black noodles.

Denmark

Instead of red roses, Danish Valentine’s Day presents include snowdrops. Local men also send anonymous poems to women. If the recipient of the letter can guess the sender, the man has to give her an Easter egg within a year.

France

As the city of love, Paris is a particularly popular destination in mid-February. As a result, Paris is often called the capital of Valentine’s Day. It is customary for couples in love to attach padlocks to the Pont des Arts, or Bridge of Love. Once locked, the key is thrown down into the River Seine.

All the locks on the bridge were removed in 2005. The railings were then replaced with ones that are almost impossible to padlock. The reason for removing the locks was safety – the millions of locks were eventually equal to the weight of 20 elephants!

Wales

In Wales, instead of a day of love, St Daynwen’s Day is celebrated on 25 January. To commemorate the patron saint of lovers, men present women with hand-carved wooden spoons. The tradition dates back to the days when Welsh sailors used to make wooden spoons for their wives while at sea.

Valentine’s Day in Estonia

In Estonia, 14 February is celebrated as Friendship Day, following the example of our Nordic neighbours. As early as the end of the 1980s, schools and kindergartens started sticking hearts on each other’s foreheads. Valentine’s Day parades were also held and letters of friendship were sent.

Nowadays, the gift of flowers is common. While the traditional Valentine’s Day flower is the red rose, alternative and more artistic symbols such as tulips, daffodils, poinsettias and carnations are becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, however, transporting flowers around the world is not the healthiest option for our planet.

 

Valentine’s Day gift ideas for women from LOVÉN brand

Timely and eco-friendly decisions are more important now than ever. Consequently, the perfect alternative to a flower as a gift is a purse, scarf or even an umbrella with a boy’s image. The poinsettia is known in Chinese mythology as a sign of love and abundance, making a more fitting Valentine’s gift hard to find. It’s nice to think that your talisman goes with you every day, even in the rain!

 

Small wallet in lavender pink “Lotus” with gift box  €39.00 VAT
www.lovendesign.eu

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