Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Every mid-February, people around the world gather with loved ones to celebrate. In the United States and most western cultures, we celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th! Originally named after Valentine, the Saint of courtly love, this holiday is all about showing affection and appreciation to those closest to you. There are many versions of the story as to how Valentine's Day came about. The most common tale is that the holiday first became associated with love and romance during the Middle Ages in England as spring mating season began. Valentine's Day also has inspiration from a Roman pagan festival called Lupercalia that celebrated fertility and matchmaking. Nowadays, we associate the holiday with pink and red hearts, roses, and candy. You will also see figures of Cupid, the God of love, as a small figure flying with a bow and arrow. Legend says those who are shot with his arrow will fall madly in love with their partner.
In the modern day, Valentine's Day is most commonly celebrated between romantic partners as a way to commemorate the relationship and the love the two share. Every Valentine's Day is the most popular date night in town! Some people will plan their engagement proposals or weddings on Valentine's Day to join the romantic spirit. However, many people also celebrate Valentine's Day with friends and family. It is tradition to give your loved ones Valentine's Day cards, flowers, or sweets like chocolate or candy as a way to show your appreciation for them. Kids in school often make handwritten Valentine's Day notes expressing their favorite thing about each classmate. Every student has their own decorated box, and they take turns dropping off notes for each other! Valentine's Day can also be a day for secret admirers. Many people will finally confess their love for those they have been crushing on as a romantic gesture. Overall the holiday is meant to tell others how special they are and how much they mean to us.
Although not a national holiday, you will see recognition of Valentine's Day all around you in Boston! Many people will dress in pink or red clothing, bakeries will make special pastries, and people will gift flowers and chocolates to their loved ones. Make sure to check out the decorated Tunnel of Love at Christopher Columbus Park this month! They will light up the decorated tunnel every night now until February 28. Wherever you may be celebrating from, we want to see how you will be spending your Valentine's Day. Share your experiences with us by using #HomestayBoston or tagging @globalimmersions!