Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day falls on 14 February. The day of lovers goes back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, when the Romans honoured Juno, the patron goddess of marriage; even then married men gave flowers to their wives. The day is often linked to the legend of Bishop Valentine of Terni, who in the 3rd century is said to have married soldiers according to Christian rite in defiance of an imperial ban, giving the couples flowers from his own garden. Because of his faith the bishop was beheaded on the orders of Emperor Claudius II.

As early as the 15th century couples in England exchanged poems and small gifts; the custom of giving flowers dates from the mid-17th century. English settlers took the tradition to their new home, the USA, and American soldiers made Valentine's Day known in Germany after the Second World War – it was officially introduced with a big Valentine's ball in Nuremberg in 1950. Besides flowers and sweets, perfume and hand-made gifts are popular presents.

In Japan the women give chocolate to the men on 14 February. In Finland cards, Valentine cards and small gifts are sent anonymously.

Printable Valentine cards

Fourteen folded Valentine cards with hearts, flowers, bears and couples. more