Valentine’s day origin
Valentine’s day celebration is an occasion in many countries. Where did the celebration initiate? How did it become popular? Where does the name come from?
There are different theories based on stories from many years ago. One of the legends took place long before Valentine became the patron saint of lovers or love. This legend narrates the events from a festival that was held in ancient Rome during the month of February, in honor of the great god Pan. The festival was called Lupercalia. One of the customs was to draw the names of young men and women in the form of a lottery to choose token boyfriends.
Another theory, with a closer relation to Valentine’s name, took place during the 3rd century. The Bishop of Rome, Valentine, was martyred on the eve of the Lupercalia festival. He was a man known for his kindness and chastity and eventually the festival acquired its name after him. It may have been the poet Geoffrey Chaucer who initiated the connection between Valentine’s day and romance. Around the 1370s-1380s Chaucer wrote a poem named “Parliament of Fowls”. The poem had this quote: “For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird comes there to choose his mate.” In the 1300s writers celebrated romance between knights and noble ladies, who could not marry or were promised to other men.
The idea of a day to celebrate romance and love became popular around the 1400s. In February 14th, Valentine’s day started to be celebrated. I like the story of the Valentine’s priest and its connection to the celebration, in particular for the symbol of love and gratitude.
Saint Valentine story
The Saint Valentine story narrates:
“Saint Valentine was a priest who practiced in Rome around the third century. At that time, Emperor Claudius II ruled, who decided to prohibit the celebration of marriages for young people, because in his opinion singles without families were better soldiers, since they had fewer ties.
The priest considered the decree unfair and challenged the emperor. He secretly celebrated marriages for young lovers. Hence it has become popular that Valentine is the patron saint of lovers. Emperor Claudius found out and as Valentine enjoyed great prestige in Rome, the emperor called him to the Palace. Valentine took advantage of that occasion to promote Christianity.
Although at first Claudius II showed interest, the army and the Governor of Rome, called Calpurnio, persuaded him to get it out they way.
Emperor Claudius then gave the order to imprison Valentine. So, the officer Asterius, in charge of imprisoning him, wanted to ridicule and test Valentin. He challenged him to restore sight to his daughter, named Julia, who was born blind. Valentine accepted and in the name of the Lord, he restored her sight.
This fact convulsed Asterius and his family, who converted to Christianity. In any case, Valentine remained in prison. Eventually the weak Emperor Claudius ordered to martyr and execute Valentine on February 14, 270. On the day of his execution, he left the girl a note signed, “Your Valentine.” The young Julia, grateful to the saint, planted an almond tree with pink flowers next to his grave. Hence, the almond tree is a symbol of lasting love and friendship.”
~ Saint Valentine is the patron of couples, happy marriages, beekeepers and love.
Symbols of the celebration
The element of gratitude and the theme of love remain. Flowers, red heart shapes, lace, and birds are symbols of this celebration. For children, it is the element of love and friendship in a card that keeps the enjoyment of the day. February 14 is often a Valentine’s day celebration in many primary grade classrooms. In honor of the celebration of love and friendship, children make their own cards. Often they make gifts for friends and families.
Crafts or gifts to make
I have made crafts with different class groups ranging from: felted hearts, sewing heart shaped pillows, to making cards, sun catchers, heart mobiles and more. During Valentine’s day , baking together to bring a delicious treat home was a loved activity. Our class would plan a special class excursion after school to the middle of town on Valentine’s day. The children would decorate a big tree in the center of town. Decorations were from all kinds of crafts which the class and school had made. Families would join and we would all spend some time at the near beach. Some great memories!
In any way you prefer to have a Valentine’s day celebration with your loved ones, I hope it is a fun time. To help you create a nice craft or treat with your class or at home, check the following posts: craft “Sun catcher hearts” and recipe “Heart shaped sugar cookies with natural frosting”, both for all ages. Happy Valentine’s Day!