Valentine's Day has appeared many years ago in European countries and now Asian countries are also enjoying the atmosphere of this holiday. Although this holiday is extremely popular, do you know when Valentine's Day appeared and why people recognize February 14 as Valentine's Day?
Origin of Valentine
There are many theories about the origin of Valentine's Day, here Mykingdom has helped you synthesize the 2 most recognized famous stories:
Bishop Valentine went against the king's orders and organized weddings for couples
At that time, it was the 3rd century, the Roman Empire continuously suffered bloody battles and Rome encountered many difficulties while calling on young men to join the army. Emperor Claudius II believed that the reason men did not want to go to war was because they had wives and love made men weak. Because of that, he ordered a ban on engagement ceremonies or weddings so that the army would be stronger and able to focus on battles.
Valentine was a priest under Claudius II. He and Saint Marius resisted the powerful emperor's decree and continued to celebrate weddings for young couples secretly. Until he was discovered, priest Valentine was sentenced to death.
This legend claims that the very origin of Valentine's Day dates back to the time of Claudius II
Before going to the execution ground, he sent a card to the prison warden's daughter, the blind girl he miraculously cured. The card was signed "dal vostro Valentino" - From your Valentine. This is also the first Valentine's card. This message was written on February 14, 269 AD. Gradually, people revered him as the patron saint of love, and the custom of exchanging letters with love messages on February 14 every year also became popular. To this day, it still continues. Many couples sign each other with the phrase "From your Valentine" instead of their names in Valentine's cards.
The love story of a priest
Another story claims that Valentine was captured because he tried to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where prisoners were often beaten and tortured. During his imprisonment, Valentine actually fell in love with the warden's daughter, who visited him during those dark times.
Another legend holds that Valentine was arrested for helping prisoners
It is said that before his death, he wrote the girl a letter signed "From your Valentine". Although the truth behind the origin of Valentine's Day is obscure, it is strongly believed that it was related to the priest Valentine. In some legends, it is also mentioned that this priest Valentine is actually the worshiped Saint Valentine.
Meaning of Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is held on February 14 every year, and is an opportunity for couples to express their feelings and strengthen their relationship through exchanging loving wishes, meaningful gifts and romantic actions.
The meaning of Valentine's Day is not limited to the aspect of romantic love, but is also related to many different cultural and social values. This is also an opportunity to express gratitude for the loyalty of the person you love and share meaningful and romantic moments that are rarely seen in everyday life.
Valentine's Day is an opportunity to express your feelings to your other half
Valentine's Day in some countries
Korea
Korea not only celebrates Valentine's Day on February 14, but they celebrate it on the 14th of every month. It may sound strange, but this country has 12 Valentine's days each year.
Japan
Female employees must give chocolate, candies, and fruits to male colleagues on February 14. This custom is called giri-choko; giri means "duty", choko is chocolate. Exactly 1 month later and on March 14, which is White Day, men are obliged to give gifts to female colleagues who have cared for them on Valentine's Day and these gifts will usually be white.
Japan has the custom of giri-choko on February 14
Ghana
Ghana is one of the countries with the largest cocoa production in the world. The country's government chose February 14 to become "National Chocolate Day" in 2007 to promote domestic tourism. On this day, couples will often attend music events and enjoy food at restaurants with Valentine-themed menus with their special half.
North America
In elementary schools in North America, teachers will let students make handmade Valentine's cards for their friends in class. Although simple, they also contribute to expressing their gratitude and appreciation. to friends of the opposite sex in class.
The cards are simple but contain a lot of emotion
Brazil
Unlike other countries in the world, Brazil's Dia dos Namorados (Lovers' Day) is celebrated on June 12 every year.
China
A holiday for Chinese couples in love is held on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, based on the legend "Niu Lang - Zhi Nu". People call this special day "The Seventh President".
Vietnam
On Valentine's Day in Vietnam, couples will give flowers, chocolates and gifts, they will invite their other half to eat, go on dates, watch movies...
Iran, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and other Muslim countries
These countries prohibit the organization of commemorative activities as well as the celebration of Valentine's Day, including lovely gifts and red roses are not allowed. They believe that Valentine's Day encourages extramarital relationships and should be banned "to prevent the spread of Western culture".
The flower that symbolizes love is forbidden on Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is an opportunity for people to express their feelings and create memorable experiences in the journey of love and solidarity with each other. This is also an opportunity for you to give your loved ones beautiful and brilliant bouquets of flowers. You can choose LEGO flowers at Mykingdom to have a memorable and meaningful Valentine's season.
