The true meaning behind Valentine’s Day
As we approach Valentine’s Day, many will be looking forward to spending time with their loved ones whilst also awaiting the giving and receiving of cards and gifts. However, there is a lot more to the annual day of celebration than just this- what might that be you ask?
Surprisingly, Valentine’s Day did not just spring out of the blue, in fact St. Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine as it was also referred to in the past originated as a Western Christian feast and day of celebration to honour past saints named Valentinus.
Since then Valentine’s Day (annually celebrated on February 14th), has been recognised as a highly significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of love and romance in many regions all over the world.
The link with celebration of love
Traditionally, Valentine’s Day has been celebrated across various Christian denominations, such as the rank of commemoration in the calendar of saints in the Anglican communion.
Although, from the year 1969 the day was removed from both the Roman Catholic calendar of Saints and the General Roman Calendar and then relegated to national calendars.
It was discovered that the celebration of St. Valentines Day did not actually have any romantic connotations or links with love until Chaucer’s poetry about Valentine’s in the 14th century.
Why is it celebrated?
Valentine’s Day became popular in the UK in the 17th century. Many will say that Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th to honour the death of St. Valentine, whilst other believe that it is marked on this day annually Christianise the pagan festival of Lupercalia. [pullquote]We love because he first loved us. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19[/pullquote]
Whatever the reason, February 14th has remained a tradition for many years and will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.
In a nutshell, Valentine’s Day marks love, whether that love is shown to a spouse, friend, parent or siblings everyone should aim to show love just as everyone deserves to receive love, and yes we will agree that it shouldn’t only be shown on one day every year but we can at least mark it as an anniversary of increased love.
This can be shown through kind gestures, appreciation, gifts, cards and more.
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps not record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, ad endures through every circumstance,” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NLT).
Author: Hannah Williams
Editor and Blogger for Celestialweekly.com
Editor for thoughtsdeepwithin.blogspot.co.uk
Writer, Advisor, Fun, Disciplined
