What does Valentine's Day mean? What is Valentine's Day? Happy Valentine's Day

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Personally, I have only one opinion about the origin of Valentine's Day - it was invented and popularized by flower girls, confectionery manufacturers and manufacturers of postcards with souvenirs. They need to earn money from something, and income from attributes of love and attention to the opposite sex is not constant - on Valentine’s Day, the purchase of Valentine’s attributes is mandatory. But everything, of course, is not so simple... The origin of this holiday is “rooted” (a classic phrase!) in past centuries and has a completely different history than that imposed on us by the media.

"Keylock" Valentine's card

I’ll start with disappointment for the fair sex - no young priest named Valentine, who secretly betrothed young couples during the reign of Claudius II and suffered for it, actually did not exist! Accordingly, there was no love between the priest Valentin and the blind guard’s daughter Julia, whom he cured, and there was no suicide note-valentine with a declaration of love. A story that is extremely popular in the media and among manufacturers of souvenir and chocolate paraphernalia for Valentine’s Day is a tale made up from thin air.

Roman goddess Juno

But what actually happened? But here's what - on February 14-15, Ancient Rome celebrated two major holidays, the first was dedicated to Juno, the wife of Jupiter and the supreme goddess of the Roman pantheon, the second was called Lupercalia and was partly dedicated to the wolf-nurse of the founders of Rome - the brothers Romulus and Remus, and partly to God To a faun, among whose many nicknames was the name Luperc. Lupercalia was a special Roman holiday, incredibly licentious to modern eyes, but completely normal for the morals of the ancient Romans - it was a kind of festival of eroticism, its participants were partially or completely naked.

Roman Lupercalia

The background of the Lupercalia holiday is as follows - in 276 BC, Rome was struck by a wave of mortality among newborns that was incomprehensible for its reasons and huge in scale, the great city was threatened with extinction... Roman families that had less than 3 children and those families that did not have children In general, they were subjected to mass censure, they were considered damned. And on February 15, immediately after the day of honoring Juno, the celebration of Lupercalia was scheduled, held near the walls of Rome in the place where, according to legend, the she-wolf suckled Romulus and Remus. It all started with sacrifices to the gods, then belts were cut from the skins of sacrificial goats, half-naked young men smeared with sacrificial blood took them and marched to the walls of Rome, where Roman women of childbearing age were waiting for them. The young men mercilessly beat the Roman women with belts, who believed that each blow increased their chances of conception and childbirth. I repeat - the picture of the celebration of Lupercalia looks wild for us, but for the ancient Romans everything was in the order of things.

Capitoline She-Wolf with Romulus and Remus

On the night between the celebrations of Juno and Lupercalia, a custom took place among the Roman youth, somewhat similar to the celebration of St. Valentine's Day in our days. In Ancient Rome, the upbringing of boys and girls was carried out separately, they practically did not see each other. On the eve of Lupercalia, girls wrote their names on pieces of paper and put them in a large bowl, and the guys took them out in turn - the girl whose name was on the elongated piece of paper became a couple to the guy for the duration of the holiday and for a year after it, they could freely meet. Subsequently, many couples, formed by chance before the holiday of Lupercalia, were united by marriage.

As the power of the Catholic Church and the papacy grew, the popes did everything possible to erase pagan gods and the celebrations dedicated to them from people's memories. As with All Saints' Day, the very popular holidays of Juno and Lupercalia among the Romans were abolished, and instead, in 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I introduced a new Catholic holiday - St. Valentine's Day, setting it on February 14th. However, in 1969, Pope Paul VI abolished St. Valentine's Day because it was not clear which particular Valentine or Valentina it should be dedicated to - there were three great martyrs with such names in the history of Catholicism.

Candy Valentines are a very profitable business, although only once a year

It turns out that for 43 years now, Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14, has been a popular secular holiday that has nothing to do with religion. Well, so what - but it’s quite cheerful and filled with its own paraphernalia, albeit profitable for traders from “Valentine’s Day”.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, or Valentine's Day is a holiday that is celebrated on February 14 by many people around the world. Named after two of the many early Christian martyrs named Valentine. In some dioceses of the Catholic Church, St. Valentine is commemorated on this day. In Russia, the holiday is secular in nature; the attitude of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches to this holiday is ambiguous. Islam's attitude towards this holiday is negative.

Those celebrating this holiday give flowers, sweets, toys, air balloons and special cards (often in the shape of a heart), with poems, declarations of love or wishes for love - valentines.

According to the US Greeting Card Association, Valentine's cards are the most popular holiday cards after Christmas.

Sending valentines was fashionable in 19th century Britain. In 1847, Esther Howland opened a successful business hand-making Valentine cards based on British designs from her home in Worcester, Massachusetts. Since the 19th century, homemade valentines have almost completely given way to greeting cards mass production. The popularity of such cards in 19th-century America was a harbinger of the subsequent commercialization of holidays in the United States.

Story

Lupercalia of ancient Rome

The history of Valentine's Day dates back to the Lupercalia of ancient Rome. Lupercalia - a festival of eroticism in honor of the goddess of “feverish” love Juno Februata and the god Faun (Luperc is one of his nicknames), patron of flocks, who was celebrated annually on February 14.

In ancient times, infant mortality was very high. In 276 BC. e. Rome nearly died out as a result of an “epidemic” of stillbirths and miscarriages. The oracle informed that in order to increase the birth rate, a ritual of corporal punishment (flogging) of women using sacrificial skin is necessary. People who, for whatever reason, had few or no children were considered damned and resorted to mystical rites to gain the ability to bear children.

The place where the she-wolf, according to legend, fed Romulus and Remus (the founders of Rome) was considered holy by the Romans. Every year, on February 15, a holiday called “Lupercalia” (lat. lupo- “she-wolf”), during which animals were sacrificed. Scourges were made from their skins. After the feast, the young people took these whips and went into the city to flog the women.

According to The Illustrated History of Rod, written by William M. Cooper, the main part of the Lupercalia festival was naked men carrying goatskin straps running past women and beating them; women willingly exposed themselves, believing that these blows would give them fertility and an easy birth. This became a very common ritual in Rome, in which even members of noble families participated. Records say that even Mark Antony fled as Luperzi.

At the end of the celebrations, the women also stripped naked. These festivals became so popular that even when many other pagan holidays were abolished with the advent of Christianity, this one still existed for a long time.

Saint Valentine

In Russia

Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14, has become a full-fledged holiday for almost half of Russians. This is evidenced by survey data from the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM) and the Analytical Center of Yuri Levada. According to VTsIOM, this holiday is most popular among young people. More than 81% of boys and girls aged 18 to 24 celebrate this holiday. In a study conducted by the Levada Center, it turned out that in this moment 53% of Russians consider themselves to be in love. Meanwhile, there are those who are ready to fight the “alien” tradition of celebrating this day. In principle, there is nothing wrong with the very existence of a holiday dedicated to the most sublime feeling. Moreover, modern society experiences an acute lack of love and basic human warmth. Psychologists associate chronic stress and fatigue of the modern average person precisely with a deficit sincere feelings. However, in Russia, as throughout the world, the holiday of “pure and bright love” has acquired a commercial connotation. Retailers expect an increase in sales of holiday paraphernalia: souvenir hearts, cards, etc. The bulk of buyers, according to statistics, are young people. Meanwhile, a significant part of the religious community has a negative attitude towards this “holiday”. They believe that the tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day is based on the Roman pagan holiday "Lupercalia", during which promiscuity and sexual promiscuity were encouraged. The Russian Orthodox Church also has a negative attitude towards the holiday. Not only Orthodox Christians, but also Catholics refuse to celebrate Valentine's Day. The Catholic Church does not officially hold any special holiday services on Valentine's Day, considering its celebration a folk one, not a church tradition. In the church, the “memory”, and not the “holiday” of the saint, is celebrated. .

A sharply negative attitude towards the feast of St. Valentine is demonstrated by representatives of some youth associations who consider this holiday alien to Russian culture and see in it the negative influence of the West.

Celebration

Notes

VALENTINE'S DAY- ST. VALENTINE'S DAY, Russia, New Odeon, 2000, color, 65 min. Comedy farce. Cast: Mikhail Kokshenov (see KOKSHENOV Mikhail Mikhailovich), Lyubov Polishchuk (see POLISHCHUK Lyubov Grigorievna), Boris Shcherbakov (see SHCHERBAKOV Boris Vasilievich), Alexander... ... Encyclopedia of Cinema

Valentine's Day- This term has other meanings, see Valentine's Day (meanings). Postcard "Valentine" 1910 Valentine's Day, or Valentine's Day, is a holiday that I celebrate on February 14... Wikipedia

Valentine's Day- Valentine's card 1910 Valentine's Day, or Valentine's Day, is a holiday celebrated by many people around the world on February 14th. Named after two of the many early Christian martyrs named Valentine. In some dioceses... ... Wikipedia

Valentine's Day: history and traditions of the holiday- On February 14, the Catholic and Protestant world celebrates Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day. Since the 1990s, this holiday has become popular in Russia. A festive Google Doodle for Valentine's Day. Originally a celebration... ... Encyclopedia of Newsmakers

The most romantic holiday occurs in mid-February. For many, it has already become customary to celebrate Valentine's Day, people congratulate each other, exchange small nice gifts. Some people even specially mark a wedding or engagement to coincide with Valentine’s Day. But not everyone knows what the history of Valentine's Day is.

Unfortunately, no one can say exactly where exactly the tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day came from. Even the true history of Saint Valentine is unknown, since at least three saints bearing this name have been canonized by the Catholic Church. But there is a beautiful legend about the origin of the holiday.

Legend

According to legend, the history of the most romantic holiday dates back to the third century. The formidable emperor of Rome at that time, named Claudius II, dreamed of conquering the whole world. And he didn’t want anything to stop him from achieving his goals. The Emperor believed that the best warrior is a single warrior , since a married man does not want to fight, but to live in a family and raise his children. Therefore, the emperor issued a decree that categorically forbade legionnaires to marry.

However, the warriors from Claudius's army were not robots, but people. And people tend to fall in love. A priest named Valentin, perfectly understanding the danger threatening him, nevertheless secretly married lovers .

The emperor, having learned that his decree was being grossly violated, became terribly angry. The disgraced priest was captured, imprisoned and sentenced to death. The jailer's young daughter, having learned about Valentin's tragic story, wanted to meet him. An ardent feeling flared up between the young people. But Valentin did not have long to live. In a day before the execution, which fell on February 14 , the priest handed his last love note to his beloved.

There is another version of the legend. According to her, the jailer's young daughter was beautiful, but blind. But, having received a farewell note from Valentin, in which he put a sprig of saffron, the girl began to see the light.

Who was Valentin?

Several priests of early Christian times can “claim” the role of the founder of Valentine’s Day. Thus, Valentine could be a Roman priest executed by order of the emperor in 269. But perhaps the title of the most romantic saint deserves the bishop of Interamna, who had the ability to heal the sick. This priest was also executed because, thanks to him, many young people converted to Christianity.

When did the holiday appear?

The day dedicated to Saint Valentine was established in 496 by papal decree of Gelasius I.

Since 1969, as a result of the reform of worship, Saint Valentine was removed from the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church (along with other Roman saints, information about whose lives is contradictory and unreliable), noted the Internet portal wordyou.ru. However, even before 1969, the church did not approve or support the traditions of celebrating this day.

So modern Valentine's Day is an exclusively secular holiday, not a church holiday.

According to the Catholic calendar, February 14 is the day of veneration of Saints Cyril and Methodius. IN Orthodox Church The day of remembrance of Roman Valentine is present, but it falls on July 19 (new style).

Many Christian holidays are based on pagan festivities. Valentine's Day is no exception. Many believe that the history of the holiday begins much earlier than the advent of Christianity.

During the times of Ancient Rome, the holiday of Lupercalia was extremely popular among young people. It was dedicated to eroticism and fertility. A holiday was held in honor of two deities at once - the goddess of love Juno and the satyr god Faun. This holiday was celebrated in mid-February. This month was the New Year's Eve (the year for the Romans began on the first of March), so at this time it was necessary to take stock and make plans for the next year.

The holiday began at the Capitoline Hill, where animals were sacrificed to Faun, who patronized cattle breeding. Belts were cut from the skin of killed bulls and given to young men. The guys, having previously stripped naked, ran around the city, whipping the girls and women they met with belts.

Interestingly, this method of “courtship” did not cause protests among the ladies. Moreover, they willingly exposed their sides and backs, since it was believed that this ritual would make women more fertile and provide them with an easy birth.

The celebration continued the next day. On this day, girls dominated. They put signs with their names in a large vase. And the men had to take out one tablet at a time. That is, a kind of lot was drawn. The girl whose nameplate the guy took out should become his girlfriend for this year. No one asked the guy’s opinion about whether he liked the girl he would have to court.

A holiday somewhat similar to the ancient Roman Lupercalia, it was also celebrated in Rus' during the pagan period. True, it was celebrated not in February, but at the end of June (according to the old style, if counted according to the new style, then at the beginning of July), and was dedicated to Kupala - the god of fertility and the Sun.

Young boys and girls decorated themselves with flowers, sang songs, danced in circles, and jumped over fires.

These days the holiday is known as Ivan Kupala night , since after the introduction of Christianity this day fell on the day of remembrance of John the Baptist.

Tradition and modernity

The traditions of celebrating Valentine's Day have, of course, changed somewhat over the years. But one thing remained unchanged - the custom of exchanging love notes, which became known as “Valentines.”

The oldest known “Valentine” is a love letter in verse sent by the Duke of Orleans to his young wife from a cell in the Tower of London. This “Valentine” dates back to 1415.

And starting from the mid-18th century, in the countries of Europe and America it became a habit to exchange small tokens of attention and notes with declarations of love. In the twentieth century, homemade “Valentines” were practically replaced by ready-made cards printed in printing houses. But these days it has again become fashionable to give handmade “Valentines”.

At the beginning of the last century It has become fashionable for young people to send sweet gifts to their lovers - marzipans . This delicacy was not cheap back then, so it was a very generous gift. Over time, marzipan was replaced by chocolate. And confectioners quickly figured out how to make additional profit and began producing sweets in the shape of hearts.

In Japan, Valentine's Day began to be celebrated only in the 30s of the last century. But in the Land of the Rising Sun, special traditions have developed. On this day it is customary to congratulate only men. Girls give their chosen ones purely male accessories (razors, belts, etc.).

The holiday began to be celebrated in Russia in the 90s of the last century. But it has already become incredibly popular, it is celebrated by people of the most different ages, from kindergarteners to pensioners, because, as you know, love knows no age.

Why did this holiday become a favorite in Russia so quickly? The answer is simple: during a long winter, any person wants more warmth and love. And here comes another reason to remember your loved ones. Therefore, people are happy to exchange pleasant gifts and recognition.

But there are some countries in the world that are especially distinguished in celebrating Valentine's Day. First of all this Saudi Arabia, which is the only country in the world where this holiday... officially prohibited, and under pain of heavy fines.

And Rus' had its own Valentine's Day, but it was celebrated not in winter, but in early summer. It was associated with the legendary love story of Peter and Fevronia, today in our country this day is celebrated official holiday All-Russian Day of Family, Love and Fidelity.

Or Valentine's Day. Since the 1990s, this holiday has become popular in Russia.

Initially, the celebration of the memory of St. Valentine was established as a veneration of his martyrdom, without any connection with the patronage of lovers. At the dawn of Christianity, three people bearing the name Valentin died as martyrs for their faith. All that is known about the first of them is that he died in Carthage along with a group of fellow believers.

The second Valentine was the bishop of Interamna (now the city of Terni, Italy), he was executed during the persecution of Christians and buried along the Via Flaminia in the vicinity of Rome.

The third martyr, Presbyter Valentinus, was beheaded between 268 and 270 and buried along the Via Flaminia. The relics of Prester Valentine rest partly in Rome, partly in Dublin, and the relics of the bishop are in the city of Terni.

During the reform of the Roman Catholic calendar of saints in 1969, the celebration of Valentine's memory as a pan-Church saint was abolished on the grounds that there was no information about this martyr, except for the name and information about beheading by the sword. In the Catholic liturgical calendar, February 14 celebrates the memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

In the Orthodox Church, both martyrs of Valentine have their own days of remembrance. Valentine the Roman, a presbyter, is venerated on July 19, and the Hieromartyr Valentine, Bishop of Interamna, on August 12.

The history of the emergence of the image of St. Valentine as the patron saint of lovers dates back to the Middle Ages and their romantic literature, and not to the circumstances of the lives of real martyrs who died at the dawn of Christianity.

The day of February 14 in England and Scotland was accompanied by a peculiar custom. On the eve of Valentine's Day, young people gathered and put tickets with the names of young girls written on them in an urn. Then everyone took out one ticket. The girl whose name went to the young man became his “Valentine” for the coming year, just as he became her “Valentine”. This meant that a relationship arose between the young people for a year, similar to those that, according to descriptions of medieval novels, arose between a knight and his “lady of the heart.” This custom was of pagan origin.

According to the custom established since ancient times, young men on this day sent their beloved gifts, as well as letters and poems in which they expressed their feelings and wishes.

The very first Valentine's card in the world is considered to be a note sent from prison in the Tower of London in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, and addressed to his wife.

Valentine cards were very popular in the 18th century, especially in England. They were exchanged as gifts. The lovers made cards from multi-colored paper and signed them with colorful ink. By the beginning of the 20th century, as printing technology improved, printed cards began to replace handwritten ones.

Today is Valentine's Day in the form of hearts, with declarations of love, marriage proposals or just jokes.

Italians call February 14 a sweet day and give sweets and candies. Valentine cards are sent by mail in a pink envelope without a return address.

In Denmark they usually send dried white flowers to each other, and in Spain it is considered the height of passion to send a love letter by carrier pigeon.

Valentine's Day has been celebrated in Japan for decades now. This is not so much a declaration of love as a sign of attention. Friends exchange chocolate sets specially released for this day; many Japanese women buy “Valentine” chocolate for themselves. IN last years the fashion for giving chocolate has reached primary schools and even kindergartens.

Giving chocolate on Valentine's Day is also common in South Korea, with only women giving gifts to their men. For the closest men of the resident South Korea make your own chocolate.

Greetings, dear guests and readers of my blog! Soon there will be a holiday that all couples in love are waiting for - Valentine's Day or All Lovers' Day. On this holiday, it is customary to give gifts associated with love. These can be flowers, sweets, heart-shaped cards, pleasant little things and surprises. Although, on the other hand, why wait for a specific day? What's stopping you from doing this every day? But still, many people wait for this very day to show tender feelings for their other half.

At the same time, people don’t even think about Valentine’s Day as a holiday. What is the history of this holiday? In this article I want to introduce you to this holiday better.

The history of Valentine's Day

Traditionally, in many countries on February 14, the most romantic of all holidays is celebrated - Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day. But what is the story behind this holiday? Where did this Saint Valentine come from?

Two or three decades ago in the CIS countries, few people knew about this holiday and did not pay any attention to it.

There are many legends about the origin of this holiday. According to one of them, Valentin lived and preached in the 1st century AD in Rome.

During the reign of Emperor Claudius I, the war with the Goths began and in order to maintain a strong army and military spirit, the emperor issued a decree prohibiting legionnaires from marrying.

Fortunately for the legionnaires, priest Valentin, who was the head of the church, did not obey this order and secretly continued to marry young people. After this, Valentin became a friend and protector of all lovers.

Soon the emperor found out about this. Valentine was taken into custody, imprisoned and executed on February 14, 269. Before his execution, Valentin sent a letter to the daughter of the prison governor, who became his lover. In the letter, Valentin said goodbye to her, thanked her for everything and signed: “your Valentin.” This served as the basis for giving valentines on this holiday.

At first glance, everything seems so beautiful and believable that you can even believe it. But it was not there. This is all just a beautiful fairy tale.

Firstly, Christianity was outlawed in Rome at that time. The wedding ceremony itself was formed in the church only in the Middle Ages. Therefore, in the 6th century AD, such a ceremony simply could not have happened and Valentine did not marry anyone.

Secondly, it is believed that after entering the priesthood, a priest cannot marry. Otherwise, he commits a great sin and is punished by defrocking.

In fact, Valentine's Day originated from pagan holiday fertility - Lupercalia, which was celebrated in ancient Rome. On the day of this holiday, revelry, immorality and debauchery reigned.

The holiday of Lupercalia was celebrated on February 15 in honor of the goddess of feverish love, Yuno Februata, and the god Faun, the patron saint of herds.

The holiday began with a sacrifice to the gods. The skins of the sacrificed goats were then cut into belts. Half-naked young men, smeared with sacrificial blood, took these belts and ran to the walls of Rome, where the Roman women were waiting for them.

These young men beat Roman women with belts and this ritual meant that each blow increased the chances of a successful conception and a safe birth. Well, the Romans deliberately exposed themselves to these blows. This holiday ended with an orgy and debauchery.

On the night between the celebrations of Juno and Lupercalia, Roman youth performed a custom that is very similar to the celebration of Valentine's Day in our time.

In ancient Rome, the education of boys and girls was carried out separately. They practically never saw each other. But on the eve of Lupercalia, the girls wrote their names on pieces of paper and put them in a large bowl, and the boys took turns taking them out. The girl whose name was on the piece of paper became a couple for young man for the duration of the holiday and for the entire next year. They could meet freely.

Such couples were rarely united by marriage. The rest simply cohabited for a year.

Over time, as the power of the Catholic Church became stronger and more influential, the popes did everything possible to erase pagan gods and all celebrations dedicated to them from the memory of people. Therefore, the holiday of Lupercalia was included in the number of prohibited holidays.

This holiday was so popular that even its ban could not make people forget about it. As a result, the holiday of Lupercalia was shifted from February 15 to February 14 and an official saint was assigned to it - Valentine. This happened in 496 AD thanks to Gelasius I - the Pope of Rome.

But in 1969, the church completely banned this holiday because it is unclear which Valentine it is dedicated to, and its history is questionable.

Well, Valentine’s Day acquired its usual form for most people only in the 19th century. This holiday started from America. It was invented by managers of the American Postal Marketing Service.

After a severe crisis, the country experienced financial difficulties. So marketers came up with heart-shaped valentines in honor of some Saint Valentine, which people could send to their lovers with declarations of love. This idea quickly gained popularity and businessmen earned millions of dollars from it.

Currently, this holiday is considered secular. Many condemn this holiday and say that it was imposed on us by the West. But if a holiday inspires, inspires and evokes good feelings, then why shouldn’t it have a place in our lives. What do you think?

Signs, customs and conspiracies for Valentine's Day

How is Valentine's Day celebrated in different countries of the world?

Valentine's Day is a day of love and romance and is exclusively secular in nature. different countries The attitude towards Valentine's Day is ambiguous. How is it celebrated in Russia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France and the USA? Do all countries celebrate Valentine's Day?

It is believed that on this day you can give valentines not only to your loved ones to whom you want to declare your love, but also to people whom you simply love: parents, children, friends, acquaintances, and even bosses and subordinates. Because love is something more and higher than just passion.

France

In France, on Valentine's Day it is customary to give jewelry, lingerie, romantic trips, and sweets. Men also propose marriage to their chosen ones.

England

In England, on Valentine's Day, it is customary to give cards, heart-shaped sweets, and flowers to your significant other. Girls bake heart-shaped pies for their lovers.

Italy

In Italy this day is called "sweet". Most often, people give chocolates and candies to their loved ones, family, and friends.

Germany

In Germany, Saint Valentine is the patron saint not of lovers, but of nervous and mentally ill people. On this day, the Germans decorate psychiatric hospitals with red ribbons, and hold special services in chapels.

In Spain, Valentine's Day is celebrated at the beginning of May.

Denmark

In Denmark, the tradition of giving love cards on Valentine's Day is the most common. The Danes also give white snowdrops to their lovers and friends and write poems, funny poems and love notes. Very often, poems written to girls are not signed and the girls must guess the name of the author. If the girl guesses right, then she receives a chocolate Easter egg that year.

Canada

In Canada, on this holiday, a girl can confess her love to any “free” man. If he refuses, he will receive a fine or even go to prison.

USA

In the USA, on February 14, it is customary to give everyone you love (parents, grandparents, friends, children, your lovers) red and white caramel candies in the shape of hearts, since these two colors symbolize passion and purity.

Jamaica

In Jamaica, many couples get married on Valentine's Day. Couples walk down the aisle completely naked.

In Iran and Saudi Arabia Celebrating Valentine's Day is prohibited by law.

Holland

In Holland, on February 14, girls can behave very actively and are given various preferences for this. For example, they can propose marriage to their lover and there is nothing shameful in this according to the Dutch. The girls win in any case, even if they are rejected. Indeed, in this case, the man is obliged to buy her a silk dress.

Iceland

In Iceland, on Valentine's Day, it is customary to burn bonfires in the name of Odin's son, Vali (Vili). Thus, passion between lovers can be ignited by a kind of ritual when girls hang coals on the boys’ necks, and they in return hang pebbles on the girls’ necks. After this, the couple needs to light a fire, which will appear as a result of the friction of stone against stone.

Sweden

In Sweden, it is customary to give roses, marmalades and heart-shaped cakes. This tradition is especially widespread among young people. In general, the idea of showing someone a sign of attention and love is very close to the Swedes.

Japan

Smart residents of the Land of the Rising Sun came up with their own original way celebrate Valentine's Day. Every year, couples can declare to the whole country how much they love each other at an event called “The Loudest Love Confession.” On a special platform, lovers shout about their feelings and the loudest one wins a prize. It should also be noted that in Japan, February 14 is the same as our March 8, only for men. In addition to traditional gifts (wallets, razors, eau de toilette, lotions, etc.) it is customary here to give chocolate. Moreover, girls and women give gifts not only to their significant other, but also to relatives and friends.

Poland

According to the Poles, they were the luckiest of all. Because, according to legend, the relics of St. Valentine are kept in Poland. Therefore, on February 14, lovers of this country try to visit the Poznan metropolis to look at the remains, pray at the miraculous icon and get help in love affairs.

Ukraine

In Ukraine on this day, various flash mobs are organized, events, promotions, and concerts are held. In school corridors there are special mailboxes in which everyone can put their Valentine.

Belarus

In Belarus, mailboxes in educational institutions are also popular, where anonymous and personalized valentines can be placed. This day is also considered the day of “kisses”. People gather in parks, stadiums and kiss their significant other or crush on command.

Russia

In Russia, on February 14, lovers exchange valentines, souvenirs with romantic symbols, heart-shaped sweets and roses.

In Russia, an alternative official holiday to Valentine's Day is the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity (July 8).

In conclusion, I would like to say that life is too short to wait for a specific day to declare your love to your other half. Therefore, love, give each other positive emotions and enjoy each other’s company as often as possible.