Valentine’s Day, a holiday associated with love, has become a worldwide holiday that is celebrated annually in February. This holiday is marked by the giving of gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and cards to loved ones. Although it is a highly-anticipated holiday, not many people know its origin. For this reason, it is essential to teach students about the history and meaning behind Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is believed to have originated in ancient Rome as a feast day called Lupercalia. This was celebrated on February 15th, and it was a fertility festival. This event involved the sacrifice of animals and the running around of young men with strips of goat hide to spank women, which was believed to promote fertility. It was not until the Third Century that Saint Valentine, a religious figure, was associated with the celebration. The story behind St. Valentine’s Day is first recorded in the book “The Golden Legend.” According to the legend, St. Valentine was a priest who continued to marry couples despite a decree by the Roman Emperor that outlawed marriage.
Emperor Claudius the Second believed that married men did not make good soldiers and this decree was implemented in order to solve the perceived problem.
Saint Valentine was imprisoned when he defied the decree and continued to marry couples. The legend states that he became friends with the jailer’s daughter and gave her a letter the day he was executed which he signed “from your Valentine.” The phrase is still used today on Valentine’s Day cards. Although the historic information is not fully supported with all the facts, the legend contributes to the foundation of Valentine’s Day as a holiday celebrating love.
As educators, it is vital to teach students the origins and significance of Valentine’s Day so that they understand the true meaning of the day. Teachers can plan activities that incorporate lessons on Roman culture and history or explain Saint Valentine’s life and ideas that relate to the holiday. On a similar note, teachers can also craft lessons that encourage students to celebrate all forms of love, not just romantic love. They can provide the opportunity to showcase love for family, friends, and even pets. It also gives students a chance to create activities that demonstrate love and compassion, such as creating kindness cards for the elderly or children in hospitals.
In conclusion, the history of Valentine’s Day is rich with symbolism and tradition. It is crucial that educators teach students the origin of this holiday. The knowledge of how Valentine’s Day came to be deeply rooted in history will give students a better understanding of why it is essential to cherish love and those they love. Moreover, teachers can encourage their pupils to create acts of love and kindness for others to expand the meaning of Valentine’s Day beyond just a celebration. All of these lessons and activities will help make Valentine’s Day a meaningful day for the students and those around them.
