What is St. Valentine's Day?Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 as a festival of romance and affection. People send greeting cards called valentines to their sweethearts, their friends, and members of their families.
Years ago, people held many beliefs in connection with Valentine's Day. One of the oldest beliefs said that birds chose their mates on February 14.
Most Valentine's Day customs were concerned with romance or the choice of a mate. The Romans celebrated their feast of Lupercalia as a lovers' festival for young people. Young men and women chose partners for the festival by drawing names by chance from a box. Then the partners exchanged gifts as a sign of affection. They usually continued to enjoy one another's company long after the festival. Many such courtships ended in marriage.
Valentine's Day comes on the feast of two different Christian martyrs named Valentine. But the customs connected with the day have nothing to do with the lives of the saints. They probably come from an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia which took place every February 15. The festival honored Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, the god of nature.
Years ago, people held many beliefs in connection with Valentine's Day. One of the oldest beliefs said that birds chose their mates on February 14.
Most Valentine's Day customs were concerned with romance or the choice of a mate. The Romans celebrated their feast of Lupercalia as a lovers' festival for young people. Young men and women chose partners for the festival by drawing names by chance from a box. Then the partners exchanged gifts as a sign of affection. They usually continued to enjoy one another's company long after the festival. Many such courtships ended in marriage.
Nice. Like the flying heart!
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