On February 14, as, perhaps, on any day of the calendar year, several holidays are celebrated in the world and in individual countries. However, the most popular of them is Valentine's Day, a holiday for all lovers.
Instructions
Step 1
According to legend, in the 3rd century A. D. in the small Roman town of Terni, there lived a young priest named Valentine. He was not only a clergyman, but also a skilled physician who willingly helped people. Roman legionaries had a special respect for Valentine, because Valentine not only healed them from wounds, but also connected them by marriage with lovers.
Step 2
The fact is that the Emperor Claudius, who ruled at that time, issued a decree forbidding soldiers to marry. He had huge plans for waging wars of conquest, and therefore the emperor believed that soldiers should not be distracted by their family.
Step 3
Contrary to the imperial decree, Valentine not only married couples in love, but also tried to reconcile those who quarreled, wrote love letters and handed flowers to girls on behalf of lovers. When rumors of this reached the emperor, he ordered the arrest and execution of the rebellious priest.
Step 4
While in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer's blind daughter. On the eve of the execution, he wrote the girl a touching letter of confession. A flower of saffron, which was very rare at that time, was wrapped in it. According to legend, having received the letter, the girl regained her sight and was able to read the message from her beloved.
Step 5
The executed Valentine was buried in one of the Roman churches. After that, the gate of the temple began to be called "Valentine's gate". It is said that every spring an almond tree blooms on the grave, and its pink flowers spread a unique scent. Couples in love come to him and give each other vows of love and fidelity.
Step 6
In 496, Valentine was canonized by the Catholic Church, and the day of his execution - February 14 - became a holiday for lovers. In Western Europe, Valentine's Day has been celebrated since the 4th century, in 1777 it began to be celebrated in the United States. Valentine's Day came to Russia only in the 90s of the 20th century and since then has enjoyed great popularity, although many consider it an alien holiday.
Step 7
The origin of valentines is associated with the name of the Duke of Orleans, who in 1415, while in prison, wrote letters full of love to his wife. Since the 18th century, such messages have gained widespread popularity. The lovers began to exchange messages in the form of hearts. Roses, images and figures of cupids or kissing doves became the symbols of the holiday.
Step 8
In addition to Valentine's Day, other, not so romantic holidays are celebrated on February 14. Computer scientists consider this day their professional holiday. Jews in a leap year celebrate Purim Katan. Bulgarians celebrate the day of winegrowers - Trifon Zarezan. The Catholic Church honors the memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Traditional carnivals take place in Venice and Nice.
