Who is customary to congratulate on Valentine's Day? Happy Valentine's Day

In just a few days it comes - Valentine's Day. In many souvenir departments of the city today, entire lines of lovers accumulate. And boys and girls nervously tease their friends with questions about what they can give on this day and where to find the best gift. On instructions from the editor-in-chief, the editorial staff also thought about this issue. To be honest, I didn’t want to write this material at all, because no one in our editorial office (and girls too! And girls, even first of all!) considers this day a holiday. The editorial girls responsibly declare: you need to talk about love every day, and then life will become a little easier. Therefore, in our material you will read not only about what to give on February 14, but more about how you can surprise your soulmate every day.

Will you be celebrating Valentine's Day? Take part

Why shouldn't you give expensive gifts on Valentine's Day?

Remember the traditions of this holiday: Valentines are exchanged on Valentine's Day. In honor of that very Valentine, because of whom all this fuss flared up. Priest Valentin helped separated lovers exchange love notes, which became known as “Valentines.” Therefore, on this wonderful day, you should not give something exorbitant in price and size: just write a beautiful love letter to your loved one. But then again, why wait for this one day of the year? A real lover is ready to talk about his love every day.

Why shouldn’t women be given flowers on this day?

Of course, it is possible and even necessary to give flowers. But this is if you, in principle, spoil your loved one with such a tender gift for no reason. Remember: giving flowers to a woman only on holidays means insulting her. Flowers highlight the beauty of a woman, and a man in love, giving a bouquet, emphasizes how beautiful his beloved is. And again, you don’t need a special day for this.

Why shouldn't you give souvenirs on this day?

In general, you should always treat souvenirs very carefully. You need to choose them, as they say, appropriately: if your loved one has a craving for certain “things,” then he will undoubtedly be happy. But more often than not, these souvenirs stand uselessly on shelves, collecting dust and causing annoyance, since they take up space and are of no use. And you can’t throw it away: your loved one will be offended.

What should I do if I still want to give a gift?

Present. Who can stop you from doing this? The most important thing is that your desire to please your loved one arises not only on red dates.

Here's a small selection of ideas from the editors: 1. Romantic dinner. In times of crisis this is a great gift. You can invite your love to a cafe or restaurant, or prepare a surprise by ordering a delicious dinner at home, setting the table beautifully, and lighting candles.

2. Romantic trip for two. Spending a weekend in a sanatorium or tourist center near the city just the two of you - what could be better?

3. Dance master class. Firstly, girls will definitely be delighted with such a gift. Secondly, many guys dream of learning how to dance beautifully, but are embarrassed to admit it. And then he will be interested.

4. Photo session. Firstly, absolutely everyone will like beautiful photographs of themselves - both boys and girls. Secondly, beautiful photographs are memories that will last a lifetime. Moreover, a photo session can be not only for two, but also for a family with children.

5. Balloon flight. By the way, there is such a service in Barnaul. Romantic and delightful.

6. Going to the cinema. Not everyone has the time or opportunity to make it to the cinema on a regular day. And on Valentine's Day, even “deeply married” spouses can go to the cinema and feel like they are on a date. Moreover, just these days there is a continuation of the scandalous erotic film “Fifty Shades Darker”.

Yes, in fact, there are gifts that are not recommended to be given on February 14th. However, not only on this day, but also on any holidays.

1. Clock. It is believed that a gift in the form of a wristwatch will lead to either separation or betrayal.

3. Photos. Alas, if your significant other is superstitious, then she will not be happy with your surprise in the form of a photo collage. The fact is that such a gift promises separation or separation. However, you can bypass the ban on this gift. To do this, you just need to sign the photo from the other side or ask your loved one to give you a photo in return.

4. Towel. Another sign of separation and quarrel. But it doesn’t work if you buy paired towels – for yourself and your loved one. Giving paired items means mutual understanding and harmony in the family.

5. Shampoos, gels and other “washing” cosmetics. It is believed that if you give these things to your loved one, they will “wash away” from your life.

6. Slippers. Superstitious people claim that your loved one will leave your life wearing the slippers you gave them. So you should only give them to those with whom you no longer want to communicate too much.

Valentine's Day - traditions, congratulations, gifts, signs

February 14th is Valentine's Day - Valentine's Day. How to celebrate? What to give? What can't you give? How to congratulate? What signs should you pay attention to?

On February 14, Valentine's Day is celebrated all over the world - the holiday of lovers. Although it came to us relatively recently, it has already become one of the most popular. Because how can you pass up a holiday dedicated to love?

The tradition of celebrating this day dates back to the 7th century. There are many legends regarding the origin of the holiday. One of them says that in 269, the Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade his legionnaires to marry - he feared that family ties would distract them from military affairs. However, the Christian preacher Valentin opposed this and tried to help the lovers, incl. secretly married legionnaires contrary to the law of the emperor.

Having learned about this, Claudius II ordered Valentin to be imprisoned. However, even there the preacher did not abandon his work. Moreover, he fell in love with the blind daughter of his jailer and was able to heal her with his note written before his execution. In it, he sincerely wrote to the girl about his feelings. He signed it simply: “From Valentin.” The energy of love that Valentin conveyed in his note performed a miracle: the girl regained her sight. And Valentin, a sufferer for love, was executed on February 14, 269. Therefore, this day is celebrated as a holiday for lovers.

Valentine himself, two hundred years later, was proclaimed a Saint, the patron saint of all lovers.

The history of the holiday

How to celebrate Valentine's Day

It was in memory of that love note with the help of which the Saint healed his beloved that it became customary to give greeting cards on February 14 - valentines. Moreover, according to tradition, Valentine's cards don't sign Moreover, they even try to change the handwriting, and hand over the valentine itself unnoticed - a loving person (if he really loves!) will understand who sent it to him.

Let's remember the classics - how did Shakespeare's Ophelia prepare for the onset of Valentine's Day? She planned the morning of this day so that the first person she would see would be Hamlet. For since ancient times there was a belief - Whoever you meet first on Valentine's Day is destined for you. So, think after Ophelia and think about how you need to start on February 14 in order to program your destiny the way you want it.

Of course, lovers must be together on this day. A romantic walk, a candlelit evening, and most importantly: under no circumstances You can’t quarrel with your soulmate on this day! Even a minor quarrel on this special day will result in separation in the future. Therefore, tune in to be calmer and softer, give in to each other, do not conflict even over trifles - if, of course, you want to save the relationship.

No clocks on Valentine's Day! Remember: happy hours do not watch! And who is happier than lovers? Therefore, do not count down the moments of your happiness - let it last forever. On February 14, try to do without objects that show the time. Don't wear a watch or look at it.

Valentine's Day is the most suitable moment for a declaration of love, as well as a marriage proposal.

What to give for Valentine's Day

In addition to the traditional valentine notes discussed above, other gifts are also given on February 14th.

However, first let's say what under no circumstances You can't give a watch on Valentine's Day. For it is believed that the hands on the gifted watch will begin to count down the time until parting.

Also Sharp and fragile objects cannot be given as gifts. Acute will bring a heart wound. And what is fragile is in danger of breaking/splitting, which will entail separation.

So, what's the best gift to give for Valentine's Day that will help strengthen and maintain love?

Firstly, we repeat that, just like a valentine, a gift must be sincere and from the heart, then it will have energy that will bring happiness to both the object of your love and yourself.

The best gifts for Valentine's Day are in pairs, when half of the gift remains with you. After all, happy love always means a couple. In addition, a couple's gift will not only be a kind of talisman that protects lovers from separation, but also a constant reminder of this special day. Identical bracelets, keychains, towels...

That’s how you give it: showing two identical objects to your boyfriend (your girlfriend), hand one to him (her), and keep the second one for yourself. But it is important to remember: such gifts - with elements of a love spell - cannot be lost.

You can also risk giving a flower in a pot - one for yourself, the other for your loved one. Why "take a chance"? All for the same reason: each of the lovers will have to protect such a flower. If it dries up, the same will happen to your love.

A perfume with the scent you love would be an appropriate gift. When presenting them to your significant other, explain the meaning of your gift: this scent will always remind you of celebrating Valentine's Day together. In addition, “your” scent will repel rivals/rivals from the object of your love (but you don’t have to tell your significant other this - let it be your little secret trick).

Signs for Valentine's Day

This day also has its own special signs.

So, unlike other days, if you break a mirror on February 14th, then it’s good luck. It means that sincere love and a long family life awaits in the future.

If on February 14 you left the house and forgot to take something (say, keys, bag, phone, etc.) - this is also a sign of happiness. Expect good news from your chosen one or chosen one.

If the first person to call you on this day is your loved one, then all year - until the next February 14th - you will be in an inextricable connection with this person.

But stumbling on this day means unrequited love or separation from a loved one. If this happens, stamp your left foot three times in the place where you stumbled.

You also can’t lose anything - this means the loss of a loved one. If it suddenly happens, be sure to try to find it.

Congratulations on Valentine's Day

♦ Happy Valentine's Day!
Let the men congratulate
Let them give you flowers,
Makes all your dreams come true!
I wish on this holiday,
So that the prankster Cupid shoots an arrow
It hit me right in the heart.
And to love you
The best of men!

♦ On Valentine's Day
I'll give you my heart
So that love is mutual,
May happiness last forever!
May we always be together
And they understood each other
No matter what in the world
We haven't exchanged love!

♦ Be in love and loved,
Tender, sensual and sweet,
It's a bright day on Valentine's day,
Let the shadow of sadness go away!
And behind her - longing and grief,
Let there be a sea of ​​smiles
The most sincere confessions
And great expectations!
Let the star of love shine
Your path is illuminated with happiness,
Inspiration, success
And friends with cheerful laughter!

♦ Feelings are bursting from the chest
And walking ahead
With a bright flame outwards,
They break the cold with heat;
And love is like a restless
Spreads around the world
Throwing sparks here and there -
Where they have been waiting for her for a long time;
And as if from the beginning
My heart began to pound!
This is the picture -
Happy Valentine's Day!

♦ Happy Valentine's Day
Congratulations, dear friend.
And I want to be loved
And don’t remember troubles and blizzards.
May happiness surround you
And you don’t know worries.
Let love accompany you
After all, she is the most important!

♦ Love! She's not just a word
What could be more sonorous than others?
You won’t repeat anything else in it,
And you won’t repeat yourself in it!

♦ Valentine's Day is here,
I send you joy!
I wish you sincere smiles,
Giving this message to you.

♦ Happy Valentine's Day,
My best man!
This day is full of love
My tender soul!
Happiness, joy, success,
Lots of genuine laughter!
I'm sending a Valentine's card:
My beloved, congratulations!

♦ Sending a valentine
In the form of my heart.
But take a closer look at the picture -
There you will find yours too.
After all, miracles happen:
There was a heart, now there are two.

♦ It is impossible to describe all the love!
But you can please your heart!
In it I write to you about love!
And I give you my feelings!

♦ Receive your Valentine with love!
It contains confessions, cries of the soul!
You are my dream, warm sun!
What love shines in the window!

♦ There is no doubt, I fell in love.
It's like being born again.
My heart was beating very hard,
It turned into a valentine.

♦ Valentine's card on Valentine's Day
Accept it from me
With best wishes,
Happiness and love,
May you be successful and calm
Your life will be
Be beautiful and healthy,
Have fun more often!

♦ Happy Valentine's Day I congratulate you.
I'll kiss you tenderly
And I will say without hiding:
You are the only one, my love!
Sweet, affectionate, funny.
There was no better man
On Earth, my dear!

♦ Congratulations on Valentine's Day,
And I want that on your way
No end was found, no edge
For happy and joyful days.

♦ My dear, gentle, dear,
My affectionate, so dear,
My best and favorite,
Happy Valentine's Day!

♦ Happy Valentine's Day
Congratulations to all lovers,
Tenderly, reverently loved
And inspired by love,
So that everyone on this holiday
I received a Valentine's card
Experienced great joy
And he was always happy!

♦ On Valentine's Day
I give you a bouquet.
And today I congratulate you,
The one that I truly love!
I wish you happiness, joy,
Let adversity disappear
And one thing I know for sure
We'll be together day and night,
We will always be together
If you tell me: “Yes!”

Cool congratulations for Valentine's Day

♦ More money and intimacy,
Happy Valentine's Day!
There will be money and sex,
We need Valentine!

♦ Love is always right
And so be it therefore,
In honor of Valentine's day,
I give myself to you.

♦ Let the pieces of ice melt on your heart from a cheerful valentine!
It's not difficult to love everyone.
So, from today
Love dogs and cats
And neighbors and passers-by,
And a little, at least a little,
Well, a little bit - me!

♦ On Valentine's Day
We are waiting for brunettes and blondes,
We are waiting for bald ones and hairy ones,
Big-eyed and big-nosed,
Both talkative and not so talkative,
To each his own, in short...

♦ On Valentine's Day
I'll get it from the store
no wine, no sausages,
and panties with hearts!

♦ Ah, Valentine's Day!
I'll cry for a whole year
Since there is not a single beast in the world
He won't send me a Valentine's card.
I will spit in the faces of all lovers,
I'll get a powerful shotgun.
It looks like he won't survive the battle.
Not a single man today!
And so, let me congratulate everyone!
Wishing you great love,
I can leave my phone number
Call me, I'll be waiting!

February 14 is a very ancient holiday; references to it are found in the history of Ancient Rome. On this day, the pagans revered the patroness of marriage - the goddess Juno. On the holiday, the girls wrote their names on parchment and mixed pieces of paper in a common basket. The guys took turns carrying notes, thus choosing a companion for the coming year.

In 496, the Pope declared February 14th Valentine's Day. There are many legends telling about the exploits of the one whose name the holiday is named. Valentine's Day reached its peak of popularity in the 18th century. Then the young people began to give each other beautiful homemade cards in the shape of hearts. Declarations of love and poems were written in postcards.

Nowadays the romantic holiday is celebrated in many countries. The lovers are looking forward to it so they can confess their feelings to each other. All.

Happy Valentine's Day
My heartfelt congratulations!
And huge, pure love
I wish with all my heart.

Let there be a sea of ​​smiles
Let sadness and grief go away.
Let there be hundreds of confessions,
The brightest expectations!

On Valentine's Day
Let your dreams come true.
Let love not pass by,
And flowers bloom in the soul!

May this holiday be happy
Will bring wonderful news,
It will become a little fairy tale
Where everything is joyful and clear!

Congratulations on Valentine’s Day and I wish that love always lives in your heart, that your soul is warm and joyful, that everything in life succeeds, that the right and loved person is always nearby.

Loving each other is a miracle
There is no stronger feeling in the world.
Love is the enemy of evil and illness.
The cure for all troubles in life.

I wish you feelings boiling in your soul,
Passion, trust, warmth,
Mutual love, inspired,
Live in the very center of magic.

May it be Valentine's Day
Will be the happiest of days
The soul soars with happiness
Like a flock of white doves!

Happy Valentine's Day.
Let life be like raspberries -
Sweet, and love is mutual,
The most tender, the strongest.

Let it bring joy
Life gives gifts,
Happiness will burst into your life.
And let everything work out.

Let goodness warm you,
Let him open the doors to the light,
Everything will be fine in life,
And in love - everything is romantic!

Happy Valentine's Day.
I wish you sincere feelings,
The brightest and most beautiful,
Shining, happy eyes.

Take care of your feelings.
Let them only become more beautiful,
Sweeter, cleaner and warmer.
Let the hearts become dearer.

Enjoy each other
Believe in miracles, smile,
Laugh, love sincerely
And take care of each other!

On Valentine's Day
Everything is magical and beautiful:
In romantic hearts,
In petals, sweets, candles.

Happy Valentine's Day.
Let love know no barriers
And the February snowstorm
Won't ruin this day!

I hasten to congratulate you
Happy Valentine's Day.
Let it never happen
You have reasons for crying.

Rejoice, live happily,
Follow your dreams.
Remember, no matter what happens,
I'm always next to you!

I love you at night
I love you during the day
You both morning and evening
In my heart.

Happy Valentine's Day to you
I want to congratulate
And as a keepsake for you
I'll give you a Valentine's card.

So that you know for sure
And for sure
That I love you
For years, for centuries.

For me you are more beautiful
Everyone on earth.
I'm looking forward to meeting you
Thankful to fate.

In this pink heart,
In addition to warm, gentle words,
I'll invest more, of course.
For you my love.

Let her warm you
On this clear winter day,
The kiss on the cheeks smolders,
Chasing away the shadow of sadness.

I congratulate you, my love.
I will remind you of our feelings again.
We'll raise a glass of champagne to them.
Let's live so that the intensity doesn't go out
Our speeches and views, very passionate,
And fate was full of beautiful days.
On Valentine's Day I wish you
Of my own embrace, I know for sure -
You simply cannot be indifferent to them
... my heart is ready to love sincerely.
Let our river of love be stormy,
Good luck to us in this amorous story.

Congratulations: 697 in verse, 149 in prose.

Valentine's Day is a holiday that can be considered popular among young people. Everyone is looking forward to its arrival in order to express their emotions and feelings to their loved one in a special way. For us, February 14 is a romantic day on which all lovers should be close to each other. However, this is not all that each of us needs to know about the holiday of Valentine's Day. In this article we will tell you about the history of its origin, signs and traditions associated with the celebration of this day. In addition, we will tell our readers how they can surprise their soulmate on this wonderful day.

There are several versions of where Valentine's Day originated. According to one version, even our distant ancestors celebrated Valentine's Day. According to legend, back in the 7th century. AD The Romans and Greeks celebrated February 14 as the day of the god Pan and Juno, who was the patroness of motherhood and marriage. This holiday was called "Panurgy".

On this day, the Romans and Greeks had to do the following:

• Young girls whose hearts were free wrote letters of love and threw them into a special urn.
• Single men pulled letters out of it. After that, they had to look after the girl who became the author of the love letter they pulled out.
• The day after Panurgy, men had to go hunting, kill any animal, and then make whips from its skins. They were supposed to beat their chosen one with these scourges, because in this way, according to the prophecy of the Oracle, the gods would grant fertility to a woman. This entire procedure had to be carried out in the nude.

The Greeks called “Panurgy” the “Bird Wedding” because it was in mid-February that birds, as a rule, formed mating pairs. However, what does Valentin have to do with it? - you ask. There is one beautiful legend associated with the name of this Saint and the origin of the holiday of St. Valentine's Day. Christian preacher Valentine lived in the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. AD, when the warlike Emperor Claudius II reigned. The ruler of the most powerful and warlike power of that time issued a decree in 269, according to which all legionnaires pledged never to marry. According to the emperor, love and everything connected with it only distracted the warriors from their main calling.

This decree seemed absurd and incorrect to Valentin. He could not do anything officially about this, so he invited the willing legionnaires to marry their lovers and undergo this ritual in secret. Claudius II nevertheless found out about this. She ordered Valentin to be imprisoned, hoping that in captivity he would stop his illegal activities. However, this fact did not stop the preacher. Moreover, he fell in love with the jailer's blind daughter. He directed all his strength to heal his beloved from her illness.

Claudius II decided to execute Valentine. On the day of the execution, which occurred on February 14, he wrote a confession note to his beloved. When the girl took it in her hands, a miracle happened - she received her sight. The love letter was signed as follows: “From Valentin.” After 200 years, the preacher was canonized by Pope Gelasius I, and the date of his death turned into a holiday dedicated to all lovers.

Today, Valentine's Day is not considered a church holiday because in 1969 the church decided to remove St. Valentine from the liturgical calendar, since the fact of healing blindness and the name of the preacher alone was not enough to consider Valentine a Saint. Instead of Valentine's Day, different countries celebrate completely different holidays on February 14:

• In Ukraine, this is a day when the work of people whose activities are related to the radiation, biological and chemical protection of the country’s Armed Forces is honored.
• In Bulgaria, February 14th is viticulture day.
• In Poland and Germany, February 14 is the day of people suffering from epilepsy.

Despite the fact that Valentine's Day is not an official holiday in our country, we still celebrate it, because there are many interesting traditions and signs associated with it, which we will discuss in detail below.

What traditions are associated with the holiday of February 14 - Valentine's Day?

How to celebrate Valentine's Day is a personal matter for each of us. However, in some countries special traditions have already developed, which people, as a rule, try to follow:

1. Italians make sure to prepare various sweets for February 14th, because they associate love with chocolate and sugar. Sweets and chocolates in the shape of hearts are the main gifts that lovers give each other in Italy.
2. On February 14, Poles venerate the relics of Valentine, which supposedly rest in the Poznan Metropolis. They pray to them and ask the Saint to help them improve their personal lives.
3. In France, lovers dedicate love poems to each other. They must be accompanied by jewelry with precious stones.
4. In England, people wish Happy Valentine's Day to everyone, not just their loved one. The card should be presented to mom, dad, sister, brother and even your pet. English girls whose hearts are free should wake up before sunrise on this day, stand at the window and look at the men passing by. The one who passes by their window first is considered the girl’s betrothed.
5. Americans, like Italians, congratulate their loved ones on the holiday with candy. But they may not be chocolate, but marzepane or caramel. The main thing is that the color of the sweet is appropriate - white and red. Another important feature is that the candy must have a loving signature, and it should also be packaged in a beautiful heart-shaped holiday box.

1. In Japan, February 14th is a holiday for girls because they are the ones who receive gifts. In addition, on this day there is a competition between men to see who can confess their feelings to their beloved louder and more beautifully. Only in this case the lovers should not stand in front of each other. They must be separated by a bridge.
2. In Jamaica, on February 14, people can sign their name completely naked. This tradition, by the way, has been around for many years.
3. In Russia, people create special scenarios for Valentine's Day. This is especially practiced in educational institutions. Through this holiday, teachers convey to children how important feelings are in a person’s life and how they should be expressed.

But in Muslim countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Valentine's Day is prohibited. According to local authorities, this holiday corrupts the minds of children and minors. This holiday is also not celebrated in Georgia, but not because of religious beliefs, but because this country has its own Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated on April 15.

Signs and gifts for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day can be a special day on the calendar for each of us. This is especially true for people who believe in omens. The following signs are associated with Valentine's Day:

• If you accidentally break a mirror on Valentine's Day, it will not lead to tragedy. Happiness will be associated with this incident. A person will meet his destiny in the near future and will be able to build a strong family.
• If you forget something at home on this day, it means that you need to prepare for happy news from your lover.
• If on February 14 the first person you hear is the one you love, then you will not be separated from him all year, your relationship will only strengthen.
• If it so happens that you stumbled on February 14, then be sure to stamp your left foot three times in this place, otherwise you will have to go through a separation from your loved one.
• It’s not very good if you lose something on February 14th. If this happens, then no matter what it costs you, try to find the lost thing, otherwise you won’t see good luck in love all year.

Special signs and rules associated with the celebration of Valentine's Day:

1. The morning of February 14th should be celebrated next to your loved one. In fact, he should be the first person you see on holiday morning.
2. You must spend the whole day with the one you love, otherwise you will separate. Try not to quarrel or argue with your loved one on Valentine's Day.
3. Try not to look at your watch at all during the day. The time on February 14 cannot be rushed, because, as the proverb says, “Happy people don’t watch the clock.”

Now let's figure out what congratulations on Valentine's Day should be. Modern young people give their significant other anything they want, without attaching importance to what is customary to give in the first place on this holiday.

• First of all, you definitely need to give a Valentine card - a card in the shape of a heart. You can make it yourself, or you can buy it in a store. This doesn’t really matter, the main thing is that the whole soul of a lover was in her.
• The gift must be in pairs. It is advisable to give something that is divisible by 2. For example, it could be identical rings or a pendant (you have one half of the heart and the other half of your loved one). Identical things will strengthen the union of lovers and bind them, regardless of how far they are from each other. However, keep in mind that paired gifts acquire a love spell. Under no circumstances should they be lost or given away to someone else.
• These are necessarily red gifts, because it is a symbol of love and passion. Roses should be red, chocolate should be in red packaging. The same goes for any other gifts.

Show your imagination on Valentine's Day. Let your loved one feel how dear you are to him, how much you love him. Of course, there shouldn’t be a special day for expressing feelings, but it’s good that it still exists, because in the everyday bustle we sometimes forget that we are happy and loved, that there is a person who sometimes wants to hear a simple phrase in our ear - "I love you!". We wish all our readers mutual and pure love. Remember that the main purpose of a person is to love, to give his love, and only then to receive it. Do not skimp on your feelings in order to find truly real and genuine happiness in life!

Video: “Valentine's Day. History of the holiday. February 14"

Valentina? Love is in the air and people are confessing their feelings. To do this, you don’t even need to utter words, you can say everything with an eloquent look, and you will undoubtedly be understood. Romance, flowers, gifts, heart-shaped sweets and glowing loving eyes... Do you know where and when Valentine's Day came to us?

History of the holiday

This holiday has existed for a very long time - more than 1500 years. So, on February 14, Valentine's Day began to be celebrated in Europe somewhere in the 13th century. America joined the celebrations in 1777. The countries of the former Soviet Union discovered Valentine's Day only in the early 90s.

So, whose holiday is this and why is it called that?

This story begins in the year 269 in the Roman Empire. Then the state was ruled by the stern Emperor Claudius II. And the main goal of the Empire was to conquer lands. The sovereign military leader was faced with the problem of a shortage of soldiers in the army for military campaigns. And Claudius II found an explanation for this - marriages. The Emperor came to the conclusion that the legionnaires, who had wives and children waiting at home, were less interested in the victories of their Motherland. Why should they think about conquests when they need to take care of feeding their families? And Claudius II found what he thought was a wonderful way out: he issued a decree prohibiting marriages. In this way he tried to maintain the soldier's morale.

However, the ban on starting a family could not stop men from falling in love. And, fortunately for the legionnaires, there was a person in the empire who supported them. It was a Christian priest from the city of Terni - Valentin. Despite the strict prohibition of the emperor, he secretly held wedding ceremonies of legionnaires with their lovers in his church. Probably, Valentin was a real romantic, since he not only united people in marriage, but also assisted the lovers in every possible way: he helped to compose tender messages and gave flowers on behalf of the legionnaires to the objects of their passion.

Of course, everything came out and became known to the Emperor. And since in the Roman Empire the law was above all else, the activities of the priest were sharply suppressed. Valentin was put behind bars. And soon the emperor signed a decree on the execution of the priest.

Valentin's last days, which he spent in prison, are shrouded in an aura of romance. They say that the daughter of the chief of the guard was in love with him. However, Valentin, who gave an answer to her feelings, could not. On the last night before hanging on February 13, he sent her a letter in which he told her about his feelings. The girl read the message only after her lover was executed.

Saint Valentine

Valentine's Day is named after him. Of course, there is no evidence that everything was exactly as described above. After all, no material evidence of this has survived. But it is obvious that the young Christian priest died in the name of love. And in his short life he was given so much of this feeling: love for a beautiful woman, for God, for the people he helped. He was a wonderful man with a huge soul who strived to do good. It is not surprising that Valentine's Day is named after him.

Later, the Catholic Church considered Valentine a Christian martyr who died for the faith, and recognized him as a saint. And in 496, Pope Gelasius I declared that February 14 was Valentine's Day.

However, with the reform of worship in 1969, St. Valentine was removed from the Catholic liturgical church calendar. They did the same with some other saints, about whose lives there was no reliable information. However, even before that time the church did not particularly approve of the celebration of this day.

Celebrations of love

Valentine's Day is a holiday that has existed for more than 16 centuries. However, already from the 18th century and much earlier, a wide variety of national celebrations of love have been known.

There is a version that the first was the Roman festival of eroticism Lupercalia. It was held in honor of the goddess Februata, who was considered a symbol of “feverish” love. The purpose of this celebration was to find your other half. Therefore, after its end, many new marriages were created.

The day before the Lupercalia holiday, which was held on February 15, the triumph of the Roman goddess of motherhood, marriage and women, Juno, was celebrated. On this day, all unmarried girls had to write and put it in a large urn. And the men - pull out the letter. It was believed that every man had to court the beauty whose ardent and passionate message he received.

In Ancient Greece, the holiday was called Panurgia. It was a festival held in honor of the deity Pan, who was considered the patron of herds, fields and fertility. Pan was depicted as a little merry fellow, playing the pipe and pursuing beautiful nymphs with his love.

All of the above are pagan contributions to Valentine's Day. It is impossible to determine whose holiday served as the basis. Most likely, the pagan traditions of different peoples are reflected in the modern celebration.

Valentine's card

At the end of the 17th century, an English court chronicler wrote that Valentine's Day is a holiday during which lovers can exchange passionate notes, give each other all sorts of gifts, such as rings, sweets, gloves, cakes, etc. But there was an important condition: all souvenirs are in the shape of a heart. Whether this was actually the case is unknown, but, most likely, this is where the tradition of sending special messages - Valentines - came from on such a day.

Today this word refers to love letters in the shape of hearts. You can't sign a Valentine's card. The recipient himself must guess who it is from.

On Valentine's Day, people want to show their feelings and tenderness to their significant other. They give roses, symbolizing love, send cute cards, propose. This is a celebration of love all over the world. But each country has its own Valentine's Day traditions.

and Italy

On February 14, both the French and Italians traditionally give flowers and gifts. The difference lies, perhaps, in the choice of the latter.

In France, jewelry is considered the best gift on Valentine's Day. In extreme cases, jewelry will do. The French were the first to come up with original and popular today all over the world congratulations on Valentine's Day - rhymed quatrains. France is the country of love. And its residents live up to this name. February 14 is an abundance of flowers, gifts, pink and declarations of love.

Italian holiday is a sweet day. It is traditional to give your loved ones a sweet treat. Therefore, cakes, sweets, chocolate, yoghurts and other goodies are used.

Love and Germany

What is Valentine's Day in Germany? You will be surprised. But February 14th for the Germans is a holiday for the mentally ill.

On this day, services are held throughout the country where people can pray for the health of mentally ill loved ones, as well as for the repose of Valentine’s soul. Orderlies decorate the wards and corridors of psychiatric hospitals with scarlet ribbons. Therefore, if you see a beautifully decorated building on this day, you should know that this is a “psychiatric hospital.”

But lately, German youth have been striving to imitate the rest of the world. And even if unofficially, it still celebrates the holiday of love. In Germany, a pig is added to the traditional European symbols of celebration. All kinds of figurines in the shape of this animal, chocolates, soft toys and much more are used.

Celebrations in the USA and Canada

Valentine's Day traditions in America are largely similar to those in Europe. But still, the main gift to loved ones on this day is red roses. Statistics showed that in the United States on February 14, 20,000 roses are sold per minute. And more than a million of these beautiful flowers are bought every day!

Children also rejoice on holidays - the script of all school productions and plays. The kids dress up as angels and deliver valentines addressed to both classmates and teachers. By the way, in the USA there are a lot of weddings on this day. The famous city of Las Vegas, located in Nevada, is especially popular.

In Canada, on February 14, a girl can propose to her beloved man. And if he decides to refuse, he will face sanctions: from a fine to imprisonment! This does not apply to those representatives of the stronger sex who have already found their soul mate. But if a man is free and decides to refuse the lady who is in love with him, he will be dragged into prison.

Feast of Love in Britain

True English gentlemen give roses to their ladies. And certainly scarlet. And women who have not yet found their lover prefer to engage in fortune telling. It is believed that if on the morning of February 14 you stand near the window and look at the empty street, the first passerby who appears on the horizon will look like your future husband. If the girl manages to call him, he might even become one.

The English are famous for their quirks. They congratulate not only their significant other, but also their pets. Horses and dogs are especially loved. On February 14, you can buy food in the shape of hearts in pet stores to please your pets.

Love Day in Japan

This holiday in Japan is somewhat similar to our day on February 23rd. Japanese men receive many more gifts on this day than women. Girls present their lovers with wallets, razors and the obligatory Honmei chocolate. Such sweet gifts appeared thanks to the largest confectionery factory with the same name. It is believed that Honmei chocolate can only be given to the most beloved man. So this is a kind of recognition.

In Japan, a competition is held annually on February 14th. Young people rise to a special podium and shout words of love to their girlfriends as much as they can. Of course, a valuable prize awaits the winner.

Love traditions of Denmark and Holland

On this day, holiday parties dedicated to St. Valentine and all lovers are held throughout Denmark. Numerous concerts, game shows, and exhibitions are organized. The whole country is celebrating. The Danes have an interesting tradition. On Valentine's Day, men send a dried flower with which their beloved is associated. This is how girls learn a lot of new things about themselves and about the tastes and fantasies of their chosen ones.

If you really want to get married, you need to go to Holland. There is a tradition there that on February 14, if a girl proposes, she cannot be refused. Of course, it is unlikely to tie a man in marriage against his will. But even if the offer is refused, there is an opportunity to ask the chosen one for a silk dress. Moreover, of any brand and for any price. No man can refuse this. The only condition is that the dress must be red. It is believed that only such an outfit can comfort an outcast woman. So, in any case, the Dutch will not lose money.

Friends Day

In Estonia and Finland it is Friendship Day. Of course, lovers celebrate it too. But the peculiarity of the holiday is that true friends also receive postcards and gifts. This is done so that almost everyone can join the holiday, and not just happy lovers.

One way or another, on this day, as throughout the world, people send valentines, cute little things, gifts, soft toys, sweets and other gifts made in the shape of hearts. Flowers are less popular here, as practical Finns and Estonians prefer material expressions of their feelings of love and friendship.

Ban on love

Iran and Saudi Arabia are the only countries in the world where Valentine's Day is officially banned. The traditions of the holiday are considered harmful and pernicious here, confusing young minds. Saudi Arabia even has a Commission for the Prevention of Sin and the Promotion of Virtue. It was she who issued a decree banning the celebration of Valentine's Day. The commission concluded that "this Western holiday glorifies man's original sin."

Therefore, all shops and supermarkets in the country on February 14 do not have the right to sell flowers, valentines, plush toys and any other attributes of the holiday. And anyone who decides to celebrate this celebration will face a huge fine.

Valentine's Day in Russia

As mentioned above, in Russia Valentine's Day has been celebrated not so long ago. However, many people have already enjoyed the holiday. Especially those who are in love. Russia has already developed its own holiday traditions. This day is perceived as a triumph of joy and love. In all corners of the country, lovers send Valentine cards, present gifts and flowers, arrange romantic evenings by candlelight and dates under the moon.

By the way, Rus' also has its own Valentine's Day. The Orthodox holiday is called Valentine's Day. Russians celebrate it. This holiday is a tribute to the legendary love of Fevronia and Pavel. And in 2008 it was declared official of fidelity and love.