Pruelpo Shares: The Significance of February Fourteen

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Paper Valentines became so popular in England in the early 19th century that they were assembled in factories. Fancy Valentines were made with real lace and ribbons, with paper lace introduced in the mid-19th century. In the UK, just under half of the population spend money on their Valentines and around 1.3 billion pounds are spent yearly on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts, with an estimated 25 million cards being sent. 

Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The mid-19th century Valentine’s Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow. In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates packed in a red satin, heart-shaped box. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine’s Day as an occasion for giving jewelry.

Many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. While sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is traditional in the UK, Valentine’s Day has various regional customs such as: 

• In Norfolk, a character called Jack Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.
• In Wales, many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen’s Day) on January 25 instead of (or as well as) Valentine’s Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.
• In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine’s Day is known simply as “Saint Valentin”, and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries.
• In Spain Valentine’s Day is known as “San Valentín” and is celebrated the same way as in the UK, although in Catalonia it is largely superseded by similar festivities of rose and/or book giving on La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day).
• In Portugal it is more commonly referred to as “Dia dos Namorados” (Lover’s Day / Day of those that are in love with each other).

• In Denmark and Norway, Valentine’s Day (14 Feb) is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but is largely imported from American culture, and some people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one.
• In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag (”All Hearts Day”) and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry’s commercial interests, and due to the influence of American culture.
• In Finland Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into “Friend’s day”. As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.
• In Estonia Valentine’s Day is called Sõbrapäev, which has the same meaning.
• In Slovenia, a proverb says that “St Valentine brings the keys of roots”, so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated as the day when the first work in the vineyards and in the fields commences. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day.

• Another proverb says “Valentin – prvi spomladin” (”Valentine — first saint of spring”), as in some places (especially White Carniola) Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.
• In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Part of his name is the word drag (”dear”), which can also be found in the word dragoste (”love”).
• In Lithuania and Latvia, it is common for people to put stickers on faces and clothing of a friend or a relative. The holiday was first celebrated after the two countries gained independence from Soviet Union in 1990.
• Valentine’s Day is called Ημέρα του Αγίου Βαλεντίνου in Greece and Cyprus, which translates into “St Valentines day”.
• In Philippines – Both private and government schools observe Valentine’s Day from nursery, kindergarten, elementary, high schools, colleges and universities. The usual celebration of JS Prom in high school as part of tradition is usually fall in February 14. This is also common in other parts of the world. High school students will select from among them who will be their King and Queen.

February 14 is also about births, deaths and remarkable events. In 1852 February 14 – Great Ormond St Hospital for Sick Children was founded – the first hospital providing in-patient beds specifically for children in the English-speaking world, London. Despite opening with just 10 beds, it grew into the world’s leading children’s hospital through the patronage of Queen Victoria, counting Charles Dickens, a personal friend of Dr. West, the Chief Physician, as one of its first fundraisers.

In 1831 February 14 was the death of Henry Maudslay, who was a British machine tool innovator, tool and die maker, and inventor. He is considered a founding father of machine tool technology. It was Maudslay who built the lock that was displayed in Bramah’s shop window with a notice offering a reward of 200 guineas to anyone who could pick it. It resisted all efforts for forty-seven years. Maudslay designed and made a set of special tools and machines that allowed the lock to be made at an economic price.

Anna Howard Shaw was born on February 14, 1847. She had become a leader of the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. She was also a physician and the first ordained female Methodist minister in the United States. Her birthday is celebrated as Anna Howard Shaw Day, as an alternative to St. Valentine’s Day.

To read my previous articles visit:

Pruelpo Shares: What Keeps The Million Filipinos Stay Abroad

Pruelpo Shares: Vital Information for Migrants Coming to Work in Saudi Arabia–part Two

 Pruelpo Shares: Vital Information for Migrants Coming to Work in Saudi Arabia–part One

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