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Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14th. Is Valentine’s Day a holiday? No, it is not a statutory holiday in any canton.
Where does Valentine’s Day come from?
It’s the only time when men buy more flowers than women: Valentine’s Day. Every year on February 14th, there is a buzz in the flower shop. But why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day at all? How did this tradition come about?
For many couples, flowers, gifts, and love letters are a part of February 14th. But where does Valentine’s Day come from? Is it really a romantic day, or is it just about profit? At least the latter is a popular rumor that florists have attached to the day. The origins of Valentine’s Day are complicated. Although St. Valentine is mentioned, it may never be possible to locate the historical figure behind it.
Who is St. Valentine?
Valentine’s Day appears to be named after St. Valentine of Rome, the patron saint of lovers. Valentine lived in the 3rd century in Rome and married couples in accordance with Christian rituals, even though it was prohibited by Emperor Claudius II. According to tradition, the couple’s marriage was under a particularly promising star. Valentine of Rome is said to have sent flowers from his garden to the couple. On the orders of the emperor, Valentine was beheaded on February 14th, 269. February 14th was originally Valentine’s Day, introduced into the church by Pope Gelasius I in 469. However, in 1969, the day was removed from the Roman universal calendar because the historical figure of Valentine could not be proven. At the same time, the church rekindled its interest in Valentine’s Day and started using February 14th as an opportunity to offer special blessings.