From execution to flower tradition: Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?

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You either love it, you hate it, or you don’t care: Valentine’s Day evokes different emotions in people every year. While some people want to drown their lovers in the sea of ​​roses, others want to sit in the park and throw stones at their lovers. Evil tongues even claim that Valentine’s Day is the invention of florists.

That’s why we celebrate Valentine’s Day

Like all holidays, Valentine’s Day has its roots in a legend. But almost 2000 years ago, Cupid was not the angel of love shooting love arrows and distributing bouquets of flowers. Legend has it that a poor priest living in Italy named Valentine of Terni married Christian couples in the third century, despite an imperial ban. For the wedding ceremony, Terni presented flowers from his garden to the newlyweds. It is said that those seeking consolation also received flowers from the priest.

big flower festival

When Emperor Claudius II learned of the priest’s activities, he forbade him from performing religious ceremonies. However, because he did not want to allow his faith to be banned, he was executed in Rome on February 14, 269. Only 100 years later, Valentine was canonized, and in 496 Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as Valentine’s Day, St. Valentine’s Day.

Another legend goes back to the story of the Roman goddess Juno, who was considered the patroness of marriage and family and was an oracle who predicted the love lives of her clients. It is said that a flower sacrifice was made in her honor on February 14.

Other origin theories are based on scientific findings, such as the fact that the mating season of birds begins in February, thus awakening spring fever.

Since when has there been Valentine’s Day in Switzerland?

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in Switzerland for nearly 70 years. The holiday was brought to Europe by US soldiers after World War II.

This is essentially a return of the tradition to its origins, which can be found in ancient Rome. Since 1949, lovers have been celebrating Love Day here on February 14.

Since that time Valentine’s day has become increasingly commercial and not only are more flowers being distributed, but also increasingly colorful and diverse gift ideas.

Thank you so much for the flowers!

The tradition of flowers on February 14 has become established in western countries: this day is considered one of the busiest days of the year for florists – large-scale orders and a wider selection are aimed at delighting the hearts of lovers.

But there are also completely different Valentine’s Day traditions: In England, for example, it is a tradition to send anonymous love letters. In the USA, young people also write secret love messages to each other; The young people who receive the most cards are considered the “most desired”.

Actually, there is nothing wrong with love. Of course, instead of saving love for one day, you can actually spread it throughout the year.

When it comes to giving flowers, gender roles are relatively fixed; Perhaps men are not the only ones succumbing to the annual consumption compulsion. In any case, this clear distribution of roles does not seem to be fully based on the legend. Pamper your loved ones and when you have the opportunity, think of Valentine of Terni, who ignored imperial orders and turned his head for it as a sign of love.

Source : Blick