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Valentine’s Day: fun facts, traditions and gifts

14 lutego 20249 lutego 2024 by CJO_ANS

Dear Readers, it is Valentine’s Day soon!

What a beautiful holiday, let’s talk a little about it!

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love observed every year on the 14th of February. The name comes from Saint Valentine of Rome, a Christian bishop and martyr. Saint Valentine, who was both a physician and clergyman, defied the orders of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus, which forbade marriage for men aged between 18 and 37. Valentine secretly performed marriages and ended up in prison for his actions. There, he formed a romantic bond with the blind daughter of the prison guard, who miraculously regained her sight during her interactions with Valentine. The emperor ordered Valentine’s execution, and before his death, he wrote a letter to his beloved. Saint Valentine is considered the patron saint of the mentally ill, those suffering from nervous disorders, epilepsy, and of course lovers.

FUN FACTS

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated since the Middle Ages, with the tradition originating in Southern and Western Europe.
In Rome, between the 13th and 15th of February, boys drew the name of a girl with whom they would spend the following year.
In the year 500, Pope Gelasius I officially established the holiday of lovers.
Interestingly, the British claim ownership of Valentine’s Day, believing it was popularized worldwide by Scottish writer Walter Scott.
In Poland, Valentine’s Day gained popularity in the 1990s.
The color red, especially the red heart, is invariably associated with Valentine’s Day. In ancient times, it was believed that the heart, the organ pumping blood, is where love is felt.
Valentine’s Day is also a day when many people decide to propose. On average, almost a quarter of a million proposals are made worldwide on Valentine’s Day, with the question „Will you marry me?” being asked.

Photo: pvproductions, taken from link

TRADITIONS

A tradition on Valentine’s Day is the exchange of gifts between lovers. Typically, women are the most commonly gifted, but this is not universal. In Japan, it’s the men who receive presents on Valentine’s Day.
According to various studies, chocolates are the most common gifts purchased for Valentine’s Day. This is not surprising, as chocolate increases the production of happiness hormones and serotonin levels. Moreover, scientists argue that chocolate induces longer-lasting and more intense reactions than… a kiss!

Photo: polki, taken from link

GIFTS

Many people struggle with finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for their significant other. One special thing not to forget is expressing your love through words as well as actions. In my opinion, a great gift idea is spending quality time together, perhaps a romantic dinner. Women love flowers, so that choice is always a safe bet! Additionally, you can never go wrong with sweets. A personalized gift with a shared photo is also a thoughtful option. You can also make a handmade gift.

Photo taken from link

🌹💕❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day!!! ❤️💕🌹

Sources: link