February 14 is the special day of the year where you give someone special flowers, cards, chocolates, and other gifts. This day of course is valentines day also called feast of Saint Valentine. So how did this day start? The history of Valentines Day and the story of its patron saint is still a mystery. The holiday contains both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. Some people believe Valentines Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial, while others believe the Christian church decided to place St. Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of Agriculture. It wasn't till the 5th century when pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentines Day. It wasn't until much later that it became associated with love. it was commonly believed that February 14 was the beginning of birds mating season which added to the idea Valentines should be for romance. Valentines day is celebrated in the United States, Mexico, Canada, The United Kingdom, France, and Australia. The first valentines gifts were hand written notes, but by the 1900’s printed cards began to replace written letters. Today one billion Valentines Day cards are sent each year making this day the second largest card sending holiday. Women purchase 85 percent of all Valentines. Red and pink represent Valentines day because these colors represent passion, energy, and deep love. In conclusion, Valentines day was first a day to celebrate agriculture with the feast of Lupercalia but later became a day to celebrate love. This day is also a combination of Roman and Christian tradition. So on February 14th, remember to celebrate a tradition of celebration and love that has been going for thousands of years.
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