Valentine’s Day is a day to embrace and celebrate romance, friendship and those who are dear – but it didn’t start off that way. Learn more about the history and traditions of this sweet and special day. It’s bigger than you think in ways you didn’t know…
The History of Valentine’s Day
“Lupercalia” was the ancient Roman Festival celebrated on February 15 – a day when priests gathered in the cave of Romulus and Remus, Rome’s founders, who were believed to have been raised by wolves (“Lupus” is Latin for wolf). As part of this ancient festival, the names of those likely to become sweethearts were drawn. Over time, Christianity mingled with the Pagan traditions, and by the fifth century there were two martyrs named Valentine: a bishop marrying couples against the emperor’s wishes, and a man who helped persecuted Christians. Thus, recognition of a hero was a welcome cause to be celebrated. Rather than sweethearts’ names being drawn, the names of saints were drawn.
As time progressed, Valentine’s Day celebrations dwindled by the Middle Ages, and in France and other countries by the 19thcentury. Britain however continued on, with Geoffrey Chaucer’s and William Shakespeare’s works promoting the idea of Valentine’s Day as a representationof love in referring to birds pairing off on that day.
Valentine’s Day Today
Clearly, Valentine’s Day has been central in religious and literary circles for centuries, expanding and evolving across the globe and along the way. Today, the exchange of Valentines gifts has created an industry that exceeds $1 billion per year. As that number continues to grow, we are heartened to know that more people than ever are now included in the celebration of Valentine’s Day.
The traditional day set aside to give candy and flowers to sweethearts has expanded to include celebrating friendships and those who matter to us. Think of it this way, really: no longer does it need to be the day that only lovers make a special effort to do something special – utter poetry, buy gifts, or perform other acts of chivalry. Now, the celebration is wider, more diverse, and certainly more all-encompassing. More happy people can now give and receive cards, flowers, and our favorite – candy – to anyone whose day they’d like to brighten up.
Your best friend, for example, may enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries and a simple card to let them know they matter.
Clearly, Valentines’ Day has a long, rich history, and has not always been about big business. For our part, we champion its origin and the latest trend.
If you’d like to show your friends, family, and loved ones that you care this Valentine’s Day – or even just surprise your co-workers with a treat – check out some of the delicious items we have.
