True Meanings

It seems like we are constantly celebrating one holiday or another.  But, are we really celebrating the holiday or are we celebrating the commercialism that comes with the holiday?  Most of the holidays have come and gone without me even knowing that they were coming.  If it weren't for the fact that I know the date in which holidays fall, I probably would be none the wiser as to whether it was a holiday or not.  Being removed from all the commercialism associated with any given holiday has made me realize that there is much more to the holidays.  Today is Valentine's Day.  Do any of us really know the history behind this day?  Why do we send people cards; was St. Valentine known for something associated with love or why do we associate the holiday with that?  Since many of you are probably too busy to really sit down and look into the history behind Valentine's Day, allow me to enlighten you.

Not only is there one person known as St. Valentine, but 3.  One was a priest, one a bishop, and the other is heard of only vaguely.  All three of these men were martyrs of the church, and all are remembered on February 14th, but none of them really have any direct relation to the holiday in which we celebrate.  The holiday in which is celebrated today is because of a reference made by the poet Geoffrey Chaucer in his poem Parliament of Foules.  In one stanza he writes, "For this was sent on Saint Valentine's Day, When every foul cometh there to choose his mate."  Because of this reference, people started to associate St. Valentine's Day with a day for couples to celebrate- to send love letters and tokens of love to one another.  The reason for this reference in Chaucer's poem is because it was a common belief in England and France during the middle ages that toward the middle of the second month of the year, birds would begin to choose their mates.  (referenced from NewAdvent.com)  While North American's celebrate with candy, cards, and roses on February 14th, other countries have varying days and ways of celebrating.  Of course, just like many other holidays, Valentine's Day is considered an American culture.  Some countries refer to the holiday as Friend's Day (when you recognize all of your friends, instead of just lovers), others refer to it as Lover's Day, Day of Love and Friendship, or All Heart's Day.  One tradition that I found to be rather interesting was that of South Korea's.  On February 14th, women give chocolate to men; March 14th, men give non-chocolate gifts to women.  On April 14th, those that received nothing on either of the two previous 14th's go to a Chinese restaurant and eat black noodles.  Also in Korea, the 14th of every month is celebrated in some manor to reflect a lover's holiday: Candle Day, Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.  Those could be fun celebrations :)  (info from wikipedia).

And there you have it folks, the source of Valentine's Day and its many traditions.  Now that you know where it comes from, feel free to go out and celebrate in whatever way you see fit.  As for me, I'm going to sit inside and enjoy the rain.  Happy Valentine's Day to all my loved ones- family and friends!

xoxo,
Laura