Valentine's Day: history, traditions, and omens.

Every year on February 14, the world celebrates Valentine's Day, or the Day of All Lovers. This holiday symbolizes romance, love, and tenderness. On this day, people usually give flowers, candies, balloons, and other gifts to their loved ones.

An essential part of the celebration is the 'valentine' - a small card expressing love. They often take the form of hearts and are decorated with small roses, angels, doves, or kissing kittens.

The newspaper 'Hlavkom' has gathered interesting facts about the history of Valentine's Day and the traditions of its celebration in different countries.

The history of Valentine's Day is linked to several legends

One legend says that in 269 AD, the Roman Emperor Claudius II banned marriage for soldiers, believing that family life took too much of their Time. However, the priest Valentine secretly married lovers. When the emperor learned of this, he sentenced Valentine to death. Before his execution, Valentine fell in love with a blind girl named Julia and healed her. He left her a note signed 'Your Valentine'. This became the symbol of the Day of All Lovers and the tradition of giving valentines.

Another legend tells of a Roman patrician named Valentine, who converted his servants to a new faith and married them. When they were arrested, Valentine wrote them a message in the form of red hearts. As a result, all three were freed, and Valentine was executed.

Although the exact origin of Valentine's Day is unknown, these legends have lived in people's hearts for some time, and this holiday has become a symbol of love and happiness.

Traditions of celebrating the Day of All Lovers

In Western Europe, the celebration of Valentine's Day became common from the 13th century, in the USA - from 1777. In Ukraine, this holiday is quite popular and widespread.

On this day, people usually give gifts, souvenirs, and valentines. Valentines may be signed or anonymous.

In America, people congratulate not only their loved ones but also friends and family. In the past, men gave marzipans to their girls. Over time, heart-shaped boxes appeared to store candies. This tradition has gradually spread and continues today.

In Canada, women have the right to propose to their loved ones, and if he refuses, he could face a fine or even imprisonment. However, this tradition does not apply to married people or those who have already found their happiness with someone else.

In Britain, people usually give red roses as a symbol of love. The response can be an apple, which symbolizes beauty and love. Also, the British send valentines to their pets.

In Japan, men receive more gifts than women. In addition, they receive a special 'honmei' chocolate that can only be given to a special person. There is also a contest for the loudest confession of love.

In France, people give precious jewelry, chocolate, erotic lingerie, pink yogurts, heart-shaped sweets, and organize romantic trips for two.

The Italian tradition involves giving sweets. The 'Baci Perugina' - hazelnuts covered with chocolate, with expressions of love on each package, are very popular. This day was once celebrated as a spring holiday, but over time traditions have changed.

Each country has its own peculiarities in celebrating Valentine's Day, but they are all united by the symbol of love and tenderness.

Omens on Valentine's Day

In the past, a belief said that if a girl saw a willow tit on this day, she was destined to marry a sailor; if she saw a sparrow, she would find happiness with a poor man, while a goldfinch promised a millionaire lover.

Special omens:

• A lover will never stop loving;
• If a boy gives a flower to a girl, she will love him;
• If a dog runs up to you, you will soon meet your other half;
• When making a wish, it will definitely come true.

The main omen is that if lovers vow fidelity, nothing will be able to separate them. Also, on this day, people often get married.