Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the day when the lovers express their love for each other. Valentine’s Day is also known as St. Valentine’s Day. It is celebrated on February 14 every year. In places like America and Europe , Valentine’s Day is special day, especially for young people, who need some kind of occasion to express their feeling of love. Lovers express their love by presenting flowers or by sending Valentine’s Cards or by offering things like cakes. This day is linked with romantic love.

On this day mutual exchange of love notes occurs in the form of Valentines. Heart-shaped outlines, figures of the winged Cupid, doves are some of the modern Valentine symbols. Sending hand written Valentine cards was a fashion in 19 th century. Today, volume of Valentine cards is only second to the volume of Christmas cards in the world.

History of Valentine Day:

Origin of Valentine’s Day is still a mystery. There are two theories which can explain Valentine Day related to romance.

According to one legend, queen of Roman Gods and goddesses, Juno was honoured at Roman Feast of Lupercalia. Juno was the goddess of women and marriage. This ancient pagan fertility celebration was held on February 14. During the celebrations, women used to write love letter and put them in large jar. Then men would pick one note from jar and chose the woman who wrote that message. She would accompany him during the festival. According to another theory, people used to send love letters on valentine Day.

Valentine Day is named after Saint Valentine. Catholic Churches recognize three saints with name Valentine or Valentinus. All of these saints martyred on February 14. St. Valentine was the patron of lovers.

Valentine Day in India :

Valentine Day celebration in India is very young phenomenon. This celebration is part of western cultures. Though people in India , hesitate to celebrate this western festival but it is gaining popularity very fast. One can see euphoria of valentine day many days ahead the actual celebrations. Gift companies and greeting cards companies start marketing their products targeting Valentine day.