This time of year, Valentine’s Day is on everyone’s mind, but how much do you know about Valentine’s Day facts and history? Where does the name come from, and how did it become associated with hearts and romance?
What Is the Real Story of Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day has its roots in ancient Rome. Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men so they’d be better soldiers. According to legend, Valentine was a priest who continued to perform marriages involving young men. But there’s still more to Valentine’s Day facts and history.
Who Is the Historical Valentine?
Historians believe that three different men, named Valentine, helped create the legend of Valentine’s Day. At least two, possibly all three, were Christian martyrs, with one priest reportedly performing marriage ceremonies against Emperor Claudius II’s orders. Another story identifies one Valentine as the bishop of Terni, Italy, killed for his Christian beliefs. One Valentine reportedly wrote to his jailer’s daughter with the signature “from your Valentine,” a phrase commonly used today.
February 14 used to be referred to as “St. Valentine’s Day” instead of just “Valentine’s Day” as it’s known today. While Valentine the martyr was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, which declared February 14 his feast day, the Church removed it u>from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 because so little historical data is known. However, it still considers him a saint.
Why Do We Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
The transition from Roman Catholic saint day to a secular day celebrating romantic love was aided by the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. In the poem Parliament of Foules (Parliament of Fools in today’s terms), he combines St. Valentine’s feast day with a celebration of courtly love. No documented proof has been found if an association between the two existed before the poem’s 1375 publication.
What Countries Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
More than 30 countries worldwide celebrate Valentine’s Day, including Argentina, Bulgaria, Romania, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Wales, France, the Philippines, England, and Italy, though the dates and names for the holiday vary. In The Philippines, one Valentine’s Day tradition is mass weddings.
Because February 14 falls during Carnival, Brazilians celebrate Lovers Day on June 12 instead. In South Africa, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with flowers and gifts, and women pin hearts bearing the name of their love interest to their sleeves. In Argentina, Valentine’s Day is part of “Sweetness Week.”
In Bulgaria, February 14 is both Valentine’s Day and St. Trigon Zarezan Day. The latter is also known as Winemakers Day, so Bulgarians enjoy wine with their Valentine’s celebration. In St. Valentin, France, love notes are tied to trees, and planting a tree for your lover is a tradition.
How Many Roses are Bought on Valentine’s Day?
Flower sales vary yearly, so many expected rose sales will be average or even lax in 2021. Florists were pleasantly surprised to find that during the two weeks before Valentine’s Day 2021, sales increased to a total of 152 million roses. vLess surprising was that prices were about 25% more than 2020. As you might have guessed, https://www.history.com/news/6-surprising-facts-about-st-valentinered roses are 69% of Valentine’s Day sales, followed by white roses at 38%, pink roses at 37%, and mixed colors of roses at 31%.
Choose Skyline Cruises for Romantic Dates
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or a particularly special day during any time of year, a cruise aboard the Skyline Princess will make it magical. We offer private tables, a buffet dinner, bar packages including open bar and bottles of champagne, professional DJ entertainment on the rooftop dance floor, a cruise of NYC Harbor including the Statue of Liberty, and attentive waitstaff to make your experience one to remember. Free parking at the World’s Fair Marina.
Imagine when you arrive at the Skyline Princess with your date how an amazing night is about to unfold. The boat’s interior lights are glowing a nice warm color with the night as the backdrop. As you enter the Skyline Princess you’re greeted by the banquet hall manager who then has your waiter show you to the table. Beverages start as soon as you sit down. Once all the guests have arrived, we set sail to see the NYC Skyline. The buffet opens and the tables are called one by one. The waitstaff will serve you and your guests as you walk through the buffet line. After the dinner, the guests are invited up to the dance floor which will create fun memories as you impress. If you need a breather, check out the exterior spaces for selfies and sightseeing and dessert is served on the return leg of the trip.
For a night that you’ll never forget, call at (718) 446-1100 to book your tickets now or contact us using the inquiry form.
