Valentine's Day

There are many commonalities in the ways different cultures celebrate Valentine's Day. Flowers, candy, and greeting cards are among many universal symbols of the holiday

Valentine's Day - a day that represents love and romance- is celebrated on February 14th in most English speaking countries around the world. In modern times Valentine's Day is largely considered a "Hallmark Holiday," due to the robust amount of commercialism associated with the day. But St. Valentine's Day does have religious origins at its roots.

A Brief History of Valentine's Day

It is said that Valentine's Day is named after two specific Christian martyrs, both named Valentine. The first is Valentine of Rome, and the second is Valentine of Terni. Oddly enough, there are limited connotations of romance attached to these two Christian martyrs.

Since the 19th century, Valentine's Day has been represented by the winged cupid, rather than any saints or religious icons.The association of romantic love and Valentine's Day is said to begin in England during the Middle Ages, when courtly love sprouted. And by the 1800s, Valentine's Day was widely popular among all social classes in Great Britain. It was around that time that Valentine's Day cards originated.

 
(sourced from suite101.com)