14th of February 2010
It is said that the famous Valentine’s day or the day of lovers, first was celebrated in Ancient Rome. The 14th of February was a holiday to honor Juno, Queen of the Roman Gods. During these times there was a tradition of segregation of boys and girls. Then, each boy used to drew a girl’s name (written and inserted into jars) and that is how they were assigned as a couple during the next day’s festival. Valentine day greetings became popular during the middle-ages.The name of the festival has its own legend. It is said during the times of Emperor Claudius, it was forbidden to marry or even to get engaged, since all the men were heavily recruited to serve as soldiers for his army. However, a priest Valentine broke the law and secretly married several couples. Therefore, when these facts were revealed, Valentine was prisoned and died behind the walls of prison.
Presently Saint Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated by many people throughout the world. It is considered to be a day full of romance and love. The lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine’s cards, presenting flowers or sweets. Valentine’s Day is also known as one of the most important holidays for the industry, as it is the biggest card purchasing occasions in many parts of the world.
Thanks to a marketing effort Valentine Day is known (if not celebrated) in every part of the world. Though, some countries are making some restrictions due to religious conflicts. For example in India Valentine’s Day has been discouraged by some of the Hindu fundamentalists. In Saudi Arabia religious police banned the sale of all Valentine’s Day items, creating a black market of these goods.
Nevertheless Valentine day has changed and traditions were modified since Ancient Roman times, some links or references still exist. Cupid became associated with this day because he was the son of the Roman god of love and beauty. However, the heart (so-called the center of all emotion) is a modern symbol of this day.
