How St. Valentine's Day appeared – history and interesting facts

There is no exact answer to this question. There are many versions about who and what this Valentine was and how Valentine's Day came about. At least 12 figures are known, including a Spanish hermit and even a woman named Valentina, who could have inspired the creation of this holiday.

Public opinion trends towards the version that he was one of the two Roman preacher boys in the 3rd century, who submitted to martyrdom on February 14, 269. It was this date that went down in history as St. Valentine's Day. It is also noted in Gelazian sacramentaries 8th century, the oldest Western liturgical book.

But how is it related to love and romance? According to one of the legends, the Roman emperor Claudius II of Gotha, seeking to recruit soldiers for the Roman army, forbade young men to marry so that longing for family and home would not interfere with their military skills. Instead, Saint Valentine, who was a priest and a doctor, disregarding the imperial decree, continued to marry couples in love, for which  he was exposed and imprisoned.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, February 14 became associated with romance inspired by polite and noble courtly love. In 18th century England, it grew into an event when lovers declared to each other, gave flowers, sweets, and sent greeting cards (known as «valentines»). Traditional symbols of St. Valentine's Day remain hearts, doves, various depictions of winged Cupid, the god of love.

In the 19th century, it became popular to give hand-signed valentines, and in Italy – keys, as a romantic hint to open the heart of the giver.

When is Saint Valentine's Day celebrated?

Valentine's Day is international, but is not a national holiday. Every year it is celebrated all over the world on the same day – February 14. Europeans began to celebrate Valentine's Day in the 15th century, Americans – from the end of the 18th century.

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

Every country has its own interesting traditions. In Japan, for example, it is customary for girls to give gifts on February 14, and only chocolate products. It is interesting that there is a chocolate for each social role: Giri Choco is given to colleagues, the boss, acquaintances, Tomo – to friends, and Honmei Choco – only for loved ones. Instead, men congratulate women on March 14 and also treat them with sweets, but from white chocolate.

Italians give each other cakes decorated with doves and hearts, so February 14 is called Sweet Day in Italy. It is also customary to give sweets in America – congratulatory inscriptions are displayed on white and red lollipops, which symbolize passion and love. The French prefer jewelry as a gift to a loved one.

In the Netherlands, on Valentine's Day, women can confess their love to men and propose. And if the man refuses, he must present the woman a red silk dress.

In Britain, lovers usually go out for a romantic dinner, so restaurants are full on Valentine's Day. But in the countries of the Islamic world, due to religious views, Valentine's Day is not celebrated.

As for Ukrainians, we support the tradition of congratulating loved ones on the holiday and giving gifts. In Ukraine, as in the whole world, Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. Closer to this day, the windows of shops, restaurants, cafes, shopping centers can be decorated with symbolic attributes – white and red balls, ribbons, hearts, etc. You can decorate the house – come up with romantic decor such as candles, figurines, flowers. Many girls see this as an excuse to make a stylish manicure in a thematic design.

Gifts for February 14 – ideas for what to give to loved ones

On Valentine's Day, it is customary to give gifts – some nice little things, especially handmade, emotions, sweets, etc. Many girls traditionally expect a bouquet from a boyfriend or husband, but you can use your imagination and choose a cool, unusual gift. The main thing is to greet them with love, tenderness, attention and care.

If you don't know what to present to your beloved husband or wife, girl on Valentine's Day, Pokupon will be happy to suggest cool original ideas that are very easy to present, even when you are at a distance.

Gift ideas for February 14 for your girlfriend:

• Flowers

• Romantic dinner in a restaurant.

• Spa program.

• Beauty salon certificate.

• A visit to an aesthetic cosmetology salon.

• Game for adults.

• Perfumery and cosmetics.

• Photo session of your Love Story.

• Cool emotional photo album.

• Country weekend.

• Rest in the Carpathians.

• Certificate for attending a master class.

• Sweets.

• Tickets to the theater or cinema.

• Jewelry.

• A gift with your own hands.

• Lace underwear.

• A gift certificate for anything on the website and much more.

Gift ideas for a beloved boyfriend or husband:

• Romantic day.

• Games for adults.

• Barbershop certificate.

• Visiting the spa center.

• Perfumes.

• Photo session of your love story.

• Bright emotional photo album.

• Certificate for attending a master class.

• Men's edible bouquet.

• Tickets to the cinema.

• Country weekend.

• Rest in the Carpathians.

• Gift certificate and much more.

Where to spend Valentine's Day in Kyiv?

Many couples like to spend this day romantically, having dinner at a restaurant. You can arrange an equally romantic dinner at home or in the room of one of the country complexes; go out in the evening (if it's a weekday) to a good movie, concert or theater performance. If you are at a distance, you can make a video call, talk about your feelings, remember bright moments in your relationship.

No matter what gift or option you choose, with a coupon or certificate, you can buy an original gift in Kyiv or another city of Ukraine with a special discount until this day.

Where to go on Valentine's Day?

Pokupon offers a large choice of romantic places with a discount of -55%.