Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and, for many people, love is in the air.
Valentine’s Day dates back centuries and there are a number of stories about its origin. It’s most well known origin story is as a Christian feast day that honored two early Christian martyrs who were both named Saint Valentine.
As time went on and more folk traditions arose, it became a significant religious, cultural, and commercial celebration of romance and love for many religions around the world.
The celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 was first recorded in the 8th century Gelasian Sacramentary. By the 14th and 15th century, the day became associated with romantic love. The impression of courtly love prospered, apparently by the relation with the “lovebirds” of early spring. Eighteenth century England is what brought us the traditions and shape that we are most familiar with today.
Around this time is when couples would express their love for each other by offering flowers and confectionary gifts, as well as sending greeting cards known as “valentines.”
This year, Valentine’s Day is on Tuesday. Not everyone celebrates the holiday however, or even in the same way.
“I think it’s a fun holiday,” EHS senior Shelby Sheppheard said. “I plan to hang out with my boyfriend for the day and give him the candy I bought for him.”
“I typically enjoy Valentine’s Day,” EHS junior Macaira Smith told Falcon News. “My mom always gets everyone in the house chocolates and a stuffed animal, which is really fun, and then all the candy goes on discount, which is great. This year I’m going out to dinner with my girlfriend.”
At EHS, National Honor Society members will be delivering valentines on Tuesday to further spread the love among the students and community.
