New Delhi: It’s just a few hours to go for Valentine’s Day and lovers all around the world are gearing up for February 14. On this day, people treat their partners with cute gestures, presents, romantic dates, and other different ways to express their love. Some people also celebrate this day as a day of self-love, splurging on self-care or other engaging in activities they enjoy. Thus, Valentine’s Day is all about being in love and honouring love, whether you’re in a relationship or not.
Valentine’s Day 2023: History
There are numerous legends about the origins of Valentine’s Day. According to one of the more prevalent legends, Valentine’s Day originated in the mid-February Roman festival of Lupercalia. This celebration, held at the beginning of spring, paired women with men through a lottery. It is believed that Pope Gelasius I substituted this festival with St. Valentine’s Day, and it was observed as a day of romance from about the 14th century.
According to another tale, St Valentine was executed on February 14 as a penalty for arranging secret weddings to save husbands from going to battle, which was forbidden by Roman emperor Claudius II.
Meanwhile, Cupid, the angel of love, is widely associated with Valentine’s Day. Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, according to Roman mythology, and the bow and arrow of Cupid depict piercing a heart and casting the spell of love. As a result, this festival is all about enjoying the sensation of falling in love.
Valentine’s Day 2023: Significance
Valentine’s Day, as previously stated, is a celebration of love and the relationships that thrive on love, such as friendships, motherhood, partnership, family, and so on. People celebrate this day in their own way, exchanging gifts, cards, and flowers, cutting cakes, going on picnics, dinner dates, and other activities.
Valentine’s Day 2023: Gift Ideas
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and affection between intimate companions. Here are some gift ideas that you can consider for your partners:
- A heartfelt love letter or a love poem
- A bouquet of their favourite flowers
- A thoughtful piece of jewellery, like a necklace or a bracelet
- A romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant
- A surprise getaway to a romantic destination
- A special experience, such as a hot air balloon ride or any other adventurous activity.
- A personalized photo album or scrapbook
- A sentimental keepsake, like a picture frame or a custom-made cushion