Valentine’s Day has long been celebrated throughout the years. Even though it is recognized as the day of love it seems to have become more of a commercialized holiday but what are the true origins of Valentine’s Day?
It is believed to be a mixture of both Christian and Roman traditions.
Since the 14th century, February 14th has been celebrated as a day of love and romance. The oldest written Valentine’s Day poem in records is from 1415. The Duke of Orleans, Charles, wrote a poem to his wife while he was imprisoned in the tower of London. Several years later, King Henry V, hired a poet to write a love letter to Catherine of Valois. By the middle of the 18th century, handwritten love notes and small tokens of affection were commonly being handed out to friends and love interests.
In 1868, Cadbury chocolate company created the first heart-shaped box full of sweet delights to be given to objects of our affections on Valentine’s Day thus initiating a box of chocolates as one of the most common gifts for this holiday.
Starting in the 19th century, handmade cards started getting pushed aside for mass produced cards displayed for sale at almost any store.
It is estimated that in Canada alone, over 40 million Valentine cards are exchanged each year with teachers being the number one recipient! Three percent of Canadians will also purchase Valentine tokens for their pets on this day.
The Senior’s Team at Whitevalley Community Resource Centre wishes you all a Happy Valentine’s Day. For more information on our programs and volunteer opportunities please call the office at 250-547-8866.
