A Little Look at the Origins of Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s at any of the more popular venues or having a romantic night in, have you ever considered the origins of this day? Is it just a commercial gimmick or is there something a little deeper to February 14th?
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A Brief Valentine’s History
Australians are not really known to be hopeless romantics, but they can be! In major cities like Sydney or Adelaide function venues are buzzing with Valentine’s Day gimmicks to entice the couples. Let’s see why and how this heart-filled day came into our calendars. Valentine’s Day’s origins are somewhat foggy, with details being lost of millennia of legends and lore. But there are two main theories that stand out:
- Lupercalia
This pagan fertility festival was held during Ancient Roman times, between 13 – 14 February. The gist of it was that Romans would dance around a cave, performing fascinating rituals in the hope of encouraging fertility and health in the spring. Some people believe that the church created St. Valentine’s Day around the same time, in an attempt to Christianise it. Historians simply believe that the date is a coincidence.
The other theory believes that Valentine’s Day was instated by the early church to celebrate a couple of martyred saints, all bearing the name Valentine. There aren’t actually any romantic roots embedded in early records. However, in early Rome, the Emperor Claudius II made the decision that single men made for better soldiers and therefore marriages for young men were outlawed.
There’s an account that purports that Valentine would perform secret marriages despite the law. Valentine, it is said, cut hearts from parchment to give to soldiers.
But even with these connections to marriage, the actual day wasn’t really romantic until poetry legend Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about his “love birds”. His first poem was written to mark the engagement of Anne of Bohemia to King Richard II. While it may not be likely that the poet was directly referring to February the 14th as Valentine’s Day, it does indeed mark the start of today’s romantic association with the day.
Deeper Meaning and Deeper Purpose
So what’s the point to February 14th celebrations?
Well, why not try to avoid simply going through the motions this Valentine’s Day. We have busy lives and the day has become so commercialised, hasn’t it? You could keep in mind why Valentine’s Day exists and try to make it more meaningful.
Take the time to consider your beloved other half and remind them of their worth. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to remind your partner how blessed you are to have them in your life. Here are a few ideas.
5 Creative Valentine’s Day Ideas
- Writing a Song or Poem
When did you last pen something creative? Or do you feel you’re not in the least bit poetic? That’s ok – give it a go and let your partner how you’re feeling from the heart.
- Try cooking something new
Get creative with Valentine’s Day, while saving money on expensive restaurants. Look up some new interesting dishes to try and have fun cooking them – or cook them together.
- Do Something Together That You’ve Never Done Before
If you’ve never been ice skating together or even bungee jumping, if that’s your thing, give it a try on Valentine’s!
- Have a treasure hunt
Think up a romantic treasure hunt complete with clues. You could even orchestrate a stop at a couple of romantic spots in your area and end with a candlelit dinner on your patio.
- Small Acts of Service
Sometimes just helping your other half with the day’s chores is the best present you could give them.
- For the married couples
Why not bring back the intimacy this Valentine’s Day? Do something you wouldn’t normally do like lighting candles or having a bath full of rose petals.
What will you be doing this Valentine’s Day?
Disclosure: contributed by Mediabuzzer