Origins of Valentine's Day

We all know about Valentine's day and what is all about. We celebrate each February 14th with the ones we love. But I'm sure not a lot of players know about the origin of Valentine's day and to be honest I didn't know either, until I have looked online; I think it is quite interesting so I'd like to share it with all of you!

In Ancient Rome February 14th was the day to celebrate Juno, Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses, the next day was starting the Feast of Lupecrecia.   Normally boys and girls were not able to hang out with each other and that was part of the custom that began on the eve of the Festival .  The girl’s names were written on pieces of paper and inserted into jars. Then each boy drew a girl’s name from the jar and they were to be buddies for the remainder of the Festival. Some eventually ended up by falling in love and getting married.

During this time Emperor Claudius II of Rome, also known as Claudius the Cruel  had some trouble recruiting men to be soldiers. He believed that when men were in love they didn’t want to leave their sweethearts , so he decided to cancel all engagements and marriages throughout Rome. A priest of Rome named St. Valentine secretly married couples. Of course he was caught, arrested and condemned to be beaten to death on February 14th around the year 270 AD. Valentine’s day greetings became famous during the middles ages. In this era lovers  sang or spoke their sentiments. At the end of the 15th century paper and written Valentines became popular. The oldest written Valentine we still have today was made during the 15th century and can be seen at the British Museum.

From singing or speaking our sentiments to buying handmade cards or sending a ecard you will have find online, the way to express  love has changed over  time. And do not forget this is not only a special day for lovers; it can also be shared with your loved ones, family, friends or your bingo friends on your favorite bingo site. Good luck!

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