The day when even the most timid and hesitanta lover can confess his feelings without words. A holiday that does not involve pompous celebrations or noisy fun. But, nevertheless, for anyone who knows firsthand what love is, February 14 is a holiday connected with the expectation of something special, romantic and bright. Despite the fact that in our country the day of lovers began to celebrate relatively recently, we gladly adopted this bright tradition, making it an occasion to once again say about our feelings to those who are dear to us. If you believe people's signs, even the birds on this day choose a couple and start courting their second half. Pigeons are one of the symbols of this holiday, because they are an example of loyalty, because they choose a couple once and for life.
Who is Saint Valentine?
The history of Valentine's Day goes back toA deep past, when the gods, as they said at that time, lived among people. In order to root out the vestiges of pagan beliefs, in 496 Pope Gelasius I ordered a holiday in honor of the goddess of love of Juno and the god of carnal comforts of the Faun another name and completely change its meaning. So there was Valentine's Day. However, according to historical facts, there were three holy martyrs with this name. The first was a priest and doctor during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, the second - an Italian bishop, and the third even claimed the papal throne and preached the dignity of marriage bonds as the embodiment of Christian love. But so far, there is no reliable information on how, in honor of whom exactly got its name, Valentine's Day, unfortunately. As there is no firm belief that he really should symbolize, after all, Valentine is often portrayed in icons as a healer. So the history of the day of lovers and the associated correct interpretation of it to the end of mankind is unknown. Since there is very little reliable information, for many centuries of the existence of this holiday the name of St. Valentine has acquired many legends, beautiful and romantic, as the day itself. Which of them are true or most similar to the truth, now hard to say. But one of the legends can be heard more often than others. It is possible that this was the case, because her protagonist was a real historical figure, one of three saints, in honor of whom, perhaps, Valentine's Day got its name. There lived this patron of lovers, as already mentioned above, in Italy during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, and he was a devoted Christian and a priest. The Emperor Claudius forbade his legionnaires to marry so that the thoughts of the beloved and abandoned family hearth did not distract his soldiers from the only truly male occupation - war. But love is a magical feeling, she does not choose time and place to knock on people's hearts. And Valentine, secretly from the emperor, joined the hearts of lovers, crowning and fastening them with the knots of marriage. Upon learning of this, Claudius ordered the priest to be imprisoned and appointed a day of execution. One of the legends tells that in the prison walls of his own this wonderful feeling was singed. Valentine fell in love with the daughter of a famous dignitary, and on the night before his execution he confessed to her in his feelings by signing the letter "Your Valentine". And on February 14 I ascended to the scaffold with the name of my beloved on my lips. According to another legend, Valentine was a Roman patrician who secretly accepted Christianity and turned servants into it. During the ceremony of the wedding, Valentin himself and the newlyweds were arrested. However, the patrician was soon released, but his servants awaited execution. Wishing to support his brother and sister in Christ, Valentin wrote each of them a message with red hearts - symbols of love. He personally brought these letters to prison and persuaded the guard to exchange the lives of lovers for his own. Self-sacrifice of the Roman, as they say in the legend, found a response in the hearts of many of his compatriots: they did not forget the brave deed of the patrician. And the hour of his martyrdom became known in the world as Valentine's Day. It is possible that all this is only guesswork, but the history of the holiday on February 14 has since been connected with the name of the famous saint, who died in the name of the right of lovers to be together and became the patron of all whose hearts are full of this magical feeling.
Rituals and traditions of the day of lovers
The traditions of Valentine's Day are very interesting. Many of them came to us from ancient times, and some are quite modern. In different countries of the world it is customary to celebrate the day of all lovers, but everywhere February 14 is considered a particularly successful date for the conclusion of conjugal unions. People are sure that the vows before the altar on this day have almost magical power, and the married life will be very happy. It is difficult to say whether this is really true, but it is quite possible that a couple who has become a husband and wife on the day of lovers, thus, really gives himself some kind of attitude in the future to be faithful, respected and with special trepidation to treat each other. There was also the claim that it was on Valentine's Day for a woman that it was perfectly permissible to ask a beloved man to take her as a wife. In some countries, unmarried people of the fair sex are usually given on the day of all lovers clothing. If such an offering is favorably received, then the woman agrees to marry the donor. Some signs are associated with birds. They say that if a girl sees a sliver on Valentine's Day, then she will have a successful marriage with a rich man from a noble family. On February 14, many men tried to find themselves from the very early morning near the house where their lady of heart lived. It was believed that the first young man, seen by a girl on the day of all lovers, should become her husband. For several centuries in some European countries, unmarried girls on Valentine's Day gather together, write notes with their names and put them in a box. Then the young men join them and begin to take out in turn the cherished leaves from the box, choosing themselves a couple for the whole next year. By the day of all lovers in many countries it was decided to guess to find out the name of future husband or wife. In Europe, it is especially popular to divide the two halves of a nutshell with the burning candles fixed in them. On Valentine's Day, they are lowered into the water and look: if the shells are floating side by side, the relationship will be successful, and if they turn over or swim in different directions, then the marriage will not work out. To find out the name of the girl, on February 14, young girls come to the ponds and immerse in the water (if it is not frozen) the sheets of paper with male names prepared in advance. That sheet, which emerges first, and will reveal the name of the future husband.
Several ways to celebrate on February 14
Like any other holiday, Saint's DayValentine needs preliminary training. Not only can you get the idea to spend an evening at a candlelit dinner in a restaurant or go to a skating rink with your lover or lover. And so that you do not have to justify yourself because all the tables in the restaurant are busy, it's best to place an order in advance. But it's not necessary to follow stereotypes and go to a restaurant that day. If you give space to your imagination, you can surprise your lover and make February 14 a holiday that will become the brightest and most beautiful memory. Let's see what are the options to make the holiday magical and unforgettable. First, a few ideas for those who have already been in a relationship for a long time or are already a married couple. For them, Valentine's Day is a way to refresh your feelings and fill them with new colors. What if you remember the place where you first met or confessed your love, and go exactly there, taking with you a bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses? Just imagine those wonderful and important events of your life, feel and visualize each of them in memory. And again, as for the first time, confess your feelings to each other. Order a hotel room and spend the day of all lovers, without leaving the shaded bedroom. A real feast of passion. By the way, dinner can also be ordered directly into bed and congratulate each other, alternating toasts with kisses; sometimes kisses can say much more about love. Take a house outside the city and, cozy sitting at a real fireplace with mugs of hot mulled wine, just stay together. Far from everyday worries and problems. Such a holiday can be especially relevant for those who have children. And the grandparents, you at the same time give the opportunity once again with pleasure to communicate with their grandchildren. Some ideas will suit any couple, regardless of whether they have been together for some time or that everything is just beginning. Play, hide from your lover. Yes, yes, there is no reservation or trick. Let him feel like Pinkerton or a knight who, having solved a few riddles, must find his beloved. Valentines, small cards in the form of a heart, tips will guide him along your tracks. By the way, a gift for savvy and perseverance can be sex in an unusual place. He has been looking for you for so long and deserves a reward! Arrange a joint photo shoot. And not simple, but costume. Let your loved one see how multifaceted and charming you are. How beautiful you look in the image of a forest nymph or arrogant empress. If you are sufficiently uninhibited, then the photo session may well be erotic. And this costume holiday can end with passionate sex. And the photos left on memory will not let you forget the sensations of that day for many years.
What should I give you? ..
On Valentine's Day it is customary to give a friendfriend gifts, one way or another associated with the symbolism of this holiday. The most important symbol is the heart. Valentines are cute confessions of love and friendship. An interesting fact is the origin of these messages: the Duke of Orleans, while in prison, wrote passionate confessions to his beloved wife. They are presented not only to lovers of each other - they can be given to friends, acquaintances as a sign of their special disposition. But if you are a couple or just dream of becoming it, you will not give valentines, which are sold in lots in kiosks. You will write them yourself and necessarily want to please your beloved or lover with something special. Before St. Valentine's Day, there is always a large selection of different chocolate sets and cakes made in the form of a heart. Suitable for a romantic candlelit evening, if you decide that your gift should be exactly sweet. And if you want to make an original gift, you have to fantasize.
- Give your half a T-shirt with somean interesting inscription. Or with a simple confession of love. It is even better to decorate a T-shirt with your joint photo, so that, putting it on, warmed to the heart of the memories.
- The key from the heart in the hands of a loved one is thatcan be more romantic! You can buy a chain and a pendant in the form of a key in a jewelry store and give them together with a valentine, where you confess your feelings.
- Give a set of bells. The ringing of each of them can become a substitute for words for you two. So the ringing of one bell can say: "I miss you so much", the other - "What happiness, that we are together", the third - "Let's make peace" after the quarrel. Sometimes it's so hard to say with words!
- If you decide to make an offer on this dayhands and hearts, then your choice is a ring. There will be no limit to the joy of your beloved. This is the best day for the indecisive, because on this holiday - February 14 - on your side is St. Valentine himself. So, buy the ring and be happy!
February 14 is a holiday that gives an opportunityremember everything that makes us happy. Give love and attention to those who are dear to us. And even in the harshest February frosts and blizzards you will not freeze, if your heart is warmed by love. Love and take care of each other all year round, cherish your feelings and do not be afraid to tell each other about how much you love. Sometimes for happiness someone lacks your recognition. Happy Valentine's Day! We advise you to read: