Valentine's Day for Lovers

Valentine’s Day is a holiday much anticipated and embraced by lovers worldwide. Lovers both in this country and abroad, look forward to the day in which they can express their love for each other and spend it together. Traditional dates for lovers include a romantic walk in the park or a fancy candlelight dinner in which they can gaze into each other’s eyes. Other customs for Valentine’s Day are buying chocolates, flowers, and exchanging cards. This holiday is steeped in tradition dating back to ancient Rome. Since its inception, it has always been linked to romantic love.

In pagan times, the ancient Romans celebrated the Festival of Fertility on February 14 in honor of the Roman God of Fertility. This rite of spring was known as the Feast of Lupercalia and it paralleled the mating season of the birds. During this feast, unattached boys and unattached girls would hook up via a lottery system which would set them up for courtship and eventual marriage.

Another incident linking Valentine’s Day to romance involved a priest known as St. Valentine who served under Emperor Claudius II in ancient Rome. Claudius was always waging war and needed more soldiers in his army. He found resistance insofar as the men would not fight because they wanted to remain with their wives and families. In order to obtain more soldiers for his army, Claudius banned marriages and engagements all together. One young priest defied the order, a priest known as Valentine, and he married young couples secretly. He was jailed and put to death on February 14, 270 A.D. Later, after the spread of Christianity through Rome, the church elected to turn the pagan event into a Christian celebration to honor St. Valentine. It then began as a holiday for lovers and their sweethearts.

Grand plans are often made by lovers for the day. Engaged couples may want to have their wedding day on Valentine’s Day. Dating couples might buy their engagement rings on Valentine’s Day. Married couples may want to take a trip on Valentine’s Day. All in all, the significance of Valentine’s Day to lovers cannot be undermined.

It might start with a simple “I love you” in the morning. You might then exchange small gifts such as chocolates or large gifts such as jewelry. You might be surprised by flowers on the table, perfume, a new shirt, a beautiful card…or even a love poem. Middle Age poets such as Chaucer were inspired by Valentine’s Day. You might squeeze in a bit of lovemaking on this special day. It is occasion to celebrate your love.

Go to the park, take a casual walk in the mall, go to a club, enjoy a discotheque—these are activities lovers do on Valentine’s Day. Restaurants often have specials for couples. Take advantage of the specials, and look in the newspaper for coupons. You can even spend a one day getaway to a mountain or beach resort to celebrate your love. These are ways to celebrate your love and honor the day.