Valentine’s Day

Everyone knows about Valentine’s Day, but do they know the true meaning behind it and who it came from? Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a catholic priest who lived in Rome in the 3rd century. It wasn’t until more than 200 years later that February 14th was proclaimed St Valentine’s Day. The poet Chaucer in the Middle ages was first to link St Valentine with romantic love. This was the beginning of the tradition of courtly love, a ritual of expressing love and admiration, usually in secret. This custom spread throughout Europe and stories grew about a high court of love where female judges would rule on issues related to love on February 14th each year. Historians believed that these meetings were in fact gatherings where people read love poetry and played games of flirtation. The practice of sending love messages developed into people sending special cards expressing their affection. These cards were beautiful creations handmade by the sender and individually designed to show how much they loved their recipient. Cards would usually contain a sentimental verse, proclaiming the beauty of the receiver and how much they were loved. St Valentine’s day card were decorated with pictures of cupid, hearts, flowers and trimmed with lace and ribbon these images are still used today to symbolize love and are recognized all over the world. Valentine’s Day is celebrated all over the world, and millions of Valentine’s day cards are exchanged each year.