Lucy Burroughs answered
Originally, Saint Valentine's Day was a celebration of the lives and legacies of several early Christian saints named Valentine (or Valentinus, as it was known in Latin). It wasn't until the 14th century that the martyrs' day became associated with love and romance.
How Did Valentine's Day Get Its Romantic Connotations?
The first known case of Valentine's Day being associated with romance is in a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer, entitled Parlement of Foules:
"For this was on seynt Volantynys day Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make."
This translates from Middle English to "For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."
The poem was written in celebration of King Richard II's engagement to Anne of Bohemia. Some scholars believe that Chaucer was actually referring to another Valentine's Day - this one on May 2nd - as birds in England don't usually mate in February.
Valentine's Day As We Know It
In 1797, the tradition of giving and receiving Valentine's postcards began, but it wasn't until the second half of the nineteenth century that giving gifts became common practice. Valentine's Day is usually associated with the colors pink and red, heart-shaped gifts, chocolate, flowers and jewelry.
Valentine's Day is considered by many to be a "Hallmark Holiday" due to its commercialization and the revenue it brings greeting cards manufacturers such as Hallmark.
This video that Google released for Valentine's Day 2012 is refreshing in its attitude to the holiday; gifts don't win the girl's love, but spending time with her does!
How Did Valentine's Day Get Its Romantic Connotations?
The first known case of Valentine's Day being associated with romance is in a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer, entitled Parlement of Foules:
"For this was on seynt Volantynys day Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make."
This translates from Middle English to "For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."
The poem was written in celebration of King Richard II's engagement to Anne of Bohemia. Some scholars believe that Chaucer was actually referring to another Valentine's Day - this one on May 2nd - as birds in England don't usually mate in February.
Valentine's Day As We Know It
In 1797, the tradition of giving and receiving Valentine's postcards began, but it wasn't until the second half of the nineteenth century that giving gifts became common practice. Valentine's Day is usually associated with the colors pink and red, heart-shaped gifts, chocolate, flowers and jewelry.
Valentine's Day is considered by many to be a "Hallmark Holiday" due to its commercialization and the revenue it brings greeting cards manufacturers such as Hallmark.
This video that Google released for Valentine's Day 2012 is refreshing in its attitude to the holiday; gifts don't win the girl's love, but spending time with her does!
