Traditions of Valentine’s Day

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It is well known that Christian martyr Valentine who was died for Christianity convictions, was canonized by the Catholic Church. And in 496 the Pope Gelasius I announced a February 14 as Valentine’s Day.
Since 1969, after the reform of worship Saint Valentine was removed from the liturgical calendar Catholic Church (together with other Roman Saints). However, until 1969 Church does not support the traditions of celebrating this day.

One way or another, but, apparently, since then in Valentine’s Day we write the love notes – “valentine cards“. People like to arrange weddings and get married in this day. It is believed that this will be pledge of eternal love.

In Western Europe, Valentine’s Day was celebrated since 13 century, in United States – from 1777. The tradition to give the gifts on this day grew stronger with each passing year, and for some people it has become a successful business. For example, in the beginning of last century Americans have been taken to send their brides the marzipan, which were very expensive.

In Japanese tradition presume to give this day the chocolate. The holyday began to celebrate in the thirties of last century, and still the chocolate remains the most popular gift. By the way, Valentine’s Day in Japan is look like to “March, 8” for men, so as Japanese men get, perhaps even more gifts than women: men’s accessories such as razors, lotion, wallet and so on.

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The passionate French used to give the jewelry in Valentine’s Day. In romantic Denmark people send each other dried white flowers. In Britain, the unmarried girls get up early on February, 14, before sunrise, and stay near the window and look at passing men. According to legend, the first man which they will see, will be the intended husband.

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world where this holiday … officially taboo, moreover, with the big fines.

Russia has own a lovers’ holiday, so it was celebrate not in the winter, and in early summer. It was connected with the legendary love story of Peter and Fevronia and it was devoted to Kupala – Slavic pagan god, the son of Perun.