The history of today’s Valentine’s Day began in pagan Rome, and its date was decided by nature. Birds nesting in Rome began their courtship and mate in mid-February. It was considered a symbolic awakening of nature, heralding the arrival of spring. For this reason, the Romans set February 15 as the date of Lupercalia – a festival in honor of the god of fertility, Faunus Lupercus. And on the eve of these celebrations, a love lottery was held: the girls’ names were written down, and then the boys drew them. The randomly selected girls became their partners during the Lupercalia. And sometimes they became a couple for life. Either way, there are many legends about Valentine’s Day and its origins. 

💘 🏹 💞Valentine’s Day customs around the world 💞🏹 💘

💞💙🌹 Valentine’s Day in Italy
This day is celebrated most solemnly in the homeland of Saint Valentine. Every year on the Sunday closest to February 14, the Feast of Engagement takes place in the cathedral of Terni. Gathered at the grave of St. On Valentine’s Day, hundreds of engaged couples, sometimes coming from all over the world, promise love and fidelity to each other until the wedding day. The holiday is accompanied by concerts, performances, exhibitions and sporting events that last almost the whole month of February. 

💞💙🌹 Valentine’s Day in England
The British consider this holiday their own due to the fact that it was made famous all over the world by Sir Walter Scott, who lived in the 18th century. Until recently, a popular Valentine’s Day custom was for children to dress up as adults, visit neighbors and sing romantic songs. Lovers and friends give each other handmade heart-shaped cards with the image of the most famous lovers in the world – Romeo and Juliet. 

💞 💙🌹Valentine’s Day in the Czech Republic
Do you know when Valentine’s Day is in the Czech Republic? It is celebrated twice a year – on February 14 and May 1. These days, the Charles Bridge in Prague is under siege – a place for lovers where you need to hang a padlock for good luck. 

💞 💙🌹Valentine’s Day in Denmark
A popular custom on Valentine’s Day is to send a “gaekkebrev” – a funny letter written by men themselves, often in rhyme, but without a signature. The girl who guesses the author’s name will be given additional sweets for Easter. 

💞💙🌹 Valentine’s Day in China
Chinese Valentine’s Day is called the „night of seven” and is celebrated in mid-August. An ancient legend about the love of a man and one of the seven heavenly sisters is associated with it. The angry goddess of heaven punished the lovers by drawing lines in the sky (the Milky Way) with a hairpin, which separated the couple forever. Therefore, on this day, Chinese women go to the river and place needles in the water – if they do not sink, it means that the girl is ready to get married. 

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🌹2023/2024 © Natalia Obarska, 1 rok, Pedagogika,  Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Koninie