Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?
Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. It came to be celebrated as a day of romance from about the 14th century.
Originating as a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early saints named Valentinus, Valentine’s Day is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love in many regions around the world, although it is not a public holiday in any country.
Diamonds as a gift of love:
By the 15th century, the diamond ring became the celebrated symbol of faithfulness, love and commitment in marriage.
A ring has the symbolism of life and eternity, and was first used in Roman times as a public pledge of marriage between a couple. These were later adorned with diamonds because of their own remarkable significance.
The custom of presenting a diamond engagement ring to your significant other dates back to the year 1477 when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria, of the Habsburg Dynasty, proposed marriage to Mary of Burgundy with a ring set with thin, flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an “M.”
Diamond gifts are considered one of the greatest gifts to give to a loved one on special occasions. Whether its Diamond rings, pendants, earrings or pendents, diamonds are always very popular as gifts and a great way to show someone you care.
“Big girls need big diamonds” Elizabeth Taylor
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” Marilyn Monroe