All About Valentine's Day

Kylie Niechols Miranda

DID YOU KNOW?

Celebrated every February 14; Valentine’s Day is known to be a time where many individuals show different expressions of love among their loved ones or their special someone. It could be through giving presents and even through the preparation of grand or simple gestures as a way of displaying their affection and appreciation.

Before Valentine’s Day, a whole week building up to the celebration brings excitement as each day represents different expressions still connected to the perception of love. The week of Valentine’s begins with “Rose Day” on February 7, followed by “Propose Day” on February 8. On February 9 comes “Chocolate Day”, and “Teddy Day” falls on February 10. “Promise Day” is on February 11 while “Hug Day” marks February 12. And on the day before Valentine’s is February 13 with “Kiss Day”.

Although Valentine’s Day is primarily associated with love and romance, the believed beginnings of it are quite different. The said celebration was said to have begun from a pagan festival that was held every February 15, called ‘Lupercalia’. It is an event that started with the sacrifice of a goat and a dog. The sacrificed animals were stripped, and afterwards, the strips were used to strike women for they believed it would help a woman's fertility. Later on, by the end of the 5^th century, Lupercalia was replaced by Pope Gelasius I with ‘St. Valentine’s Day’ to commemorate the martyred saint. Many believed more than one saint with the name of Valentine were the inspirations for the said event, all of which were said to have been executed on February 14.

Today, lovers usually celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts like chocolates and flowers as well as spending quality time with each other through dates. Though people may have different ways of celebrating it, its purpose is to show and celebrate love towards those who hold a special place in their hearts.