Vera Cho
Writer '20
There are many stories about the development of Valentine's Day. However, the most popular story integrates the Catholic Church, Valentine, and Emperor Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided single men were more fit to be soldiers compared to those who had wives and families. However, Valentine realized the injustice over the citizens and reformed marriages for young lovers in secret. Although Valentine was caught and put to death, his legacy- staying true to his faith in sharing love with others- has lead to the warm and expressive holiday known as Valentine's Day. Therefore, Valentine's Day is believed to have developed from the beliefs of the Catholic Church in the seventeenth century. Although, there are some people who believe Valentine's Day is the celebration of Valentine's death.
Beginning in the eighteenth century, Valentine’s Day was common for friends and lovers from all social classes to exchange affectionate and handwritten notes. Then in the 1900s, technological advancements of printing replaced written letters with printed cards. As a result, many people felt great comfort and expressed their strong emotions by sending cards out to loved ones. Currently, an estimated one billion Valentine's Day cards are sent annually around the world. Therefore, Valentine’s day festival is known as one of the biggest card sending occasions.
Many countries have permanently reserved February fourteenth for friends and family to celebrate and cherish the love and unity expressed between families and couples. The traditions and customs of Valentine's Day have allowed people to express love through the exchange of cards, flowers, or gifts.
Other places around the world have different traditions. For example, In France, women would burn letters from men who have wrongfully left them or have insulted them in a bonfire. In China, young women prepare offerings of melon and other fruits in hopes to find a husband. Additionally, couples would look at the stars at night and visit temples to pray for the happiness and prosperity of their relationship.
Going on a date with a sweetheart and wishing “Happy Valentine’s Day” to family members and close relatives are popular customs observed worldwide. Furthermore, exchanging gifts such as love-fresh flowers, traditional roses, chocolates, and teddy bears is another popular worldwide custom.
Writer '20
There are many stories about the development of Valentine's Day. However, the most popular story integrates the Catholic Church, Valentine, and Emperor Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided single men were more fit to be soldiers compared to those who had wives and families. However, Valentine realized the injustice over the citizens and reformed marriages for young lovers in secret. Although Valentine was caught and put to death, his legacy- staying true to his faith in sharing love with others- has lead to the warm and expressive holiday known as Valentine's Day. Therefore, Valentine's Day is believed to have developed from the beliefs of the Catholic Church in the seventeenth century. Although, there are some people who believe Valentine's Day is the celebration of Valentine's death.
Beginning in the eighteenth century, Valentine’s Day was common for friends and lovers from all social classes to exchange affectionate and handwritten notes. Then in the 1900s, technological advancements of printing replaced written letters with printed cards. As a result, many people felt great comfort and expressed their strong emotions by sending cards out to loved ones. Currently, an estimated one billion Valentine's Day cards are sent annually around the world. Therefore, Valentine’s day festival is known as one of the biggest card sending occasions.
Many countries have permanently reserved February fourteenth for friends and family to celebrate and cherish the love and unity expressed between families and couples. The traditions and customs of Valentine's Day have allowed people to express love through the exchange of cards, flowers, or gifts.
Other places around the world have different traditions. For example, In France, women would burn letters from men who have wrongfully left them or have insulted them in a bonfire. In China, young women prepare offerings of melon and other fruits in hopes to find a husband. Additionally, couples would look at the stars at night and visit temples to pray for the happiness and prosperity of their relationship.
Going on a date with a sweetheart and wishing “Happy Valentine’s Day” to family members and close relatives are popular customs observed worldwide. Furthermore, exchanging gifts such as love-fresh flowers, traditional roses, chocolates, and teddy bears is another popular worldwide custom.