One of the most beautiful and romantic holidays falls in mid-February. Many people like balloons, teddy bears, candles and cute cards. Therefore, it is not surprising that Valentine's Day has taken root in Russia, although it is not recognized as an official holiday.
A bit of history
Few people know that Valentine's Day does not begin in the Middle Ages, but in ancient Rome. On February 15, the Romans celebrated the day of the goddess of “feverish love” Juno Februato and the god Luperk. It was believed that on this day the gods sent true love and fertility. Young people stripped naked and ran naked through the city streets, striking all the women on the way with special scourges. It was assumed that these strokes give the opportunity to become pregnant and have a light birth.
Later, lupercalia were banned, and instead of them there was the feast of St. Valentine, which was overgrown with various legends.
According to one of them, Emperor Claudius II forbade men to marry, believing that in this way they would fight better for the glory of the state. The young priest Valentine sincerely sympathized with all the lovers and, despite the official ban, secretly married everyone. Upon learning of his activities, the emperor sentenced the young man to imprisonment and death. In prison, the young man fell in love with the daughter of his guard, and before the execution he wrote the girl a love letter, signing it “Your Valentine”. The priest in love was executed on February 14, 269.
Valentine's Day in Europe began to be celebrated from the end of the 14th century, and it gained mass popularity in the late 18th - early 19th centuries. However, Valentine's Day in Russia appeared only in the early 90s of the 20th century and is exclusively secular in nature.
As noted in the world
In England, on February 14, men present gloves to their favorite girls; such a peculiar present speaks of longing. Residents of Wales give lovers wooden spoons with a key and a heart cut out on them.
In romantic France, girls can safely expect to receive jewelry or expensive watches with a mandatory “Valentine” from the gentleman.
Italians prefer to give sweets on this day: chocolate, hazelnuts in chocolate with notes inside.
Hot Spanish machos present their roses with red roses. In response, the girls give books or other things, but always red.
In the USA and Australia that day it is customary to reserve a table in restaurants and give beloved flowers and edible "valentines".
Unlucky on this day, Korean and Japanese girls. February 14th in the "Land of Morning Freshness" and "Land of the Rising Sun" is considered only a holiday for men. On this day, the guys decided to give chocolate or chocolates. And not only lovers, but also friends and colleagues.
How to celebrate in Russia
"When is Valentine's Day celebrated in Russia?" - one of the most popular questions. Oddly enough, many people do not yet know the exact date of the holiday. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Valentine's Day, like Halloween, is exclusively secular in nature and is mostly popular among young people.
Well, if you want to know what day is in love in Russia, remember this date: February 14th. On this day, a tradition has developed to give soft toys, balloons, flowers and, of course, “valentines”. Many couples prefer to spend the evening in a restaurant or cafe, go to the cinema or go to the rink. There is no universally accepted and unified scheme for holding the holiday, everyone is looking for something different.
How to celebrate Valentine's Day in Russia. Option one: romantic and cozy
Classic is always a win-win. Therefore, a date and a romantic dinner remain relevant. A trip to the cinema and restaurant or cozy gatherings in front of the TV and dinner by candlelight - choose based on your preferences and capabilities. The second option is even better: it will create a truly magical atmosphere. Choose an interesting film, prepare cozy rugs and popcorn, turn off the lights and light candles - it will turn out no worse than in the cinema hall, even better, since there will be only two spectators.
When Valentine's Day is celebrated in Russia, they often prefer to spend time not in the "noisy restaurant hall", but at home. If you are going to go this way and please your beloved with dinner, try to cook something not from your classic menu, because it is still a holiday. And don't forget to set the table nicely. Arrange the candles in the candlesticks, get the beautiful dishes, turn on the pleasant music. At the same time, keep in mind that music should serve only as a background, without distracting the attention of your partner if you do not want to discuss it.
Option Two: Creative and Drive
Those who don’t want old-fashioned classics and are looking for something active on Valentine’s Day in Russia can be invited to go to a concert of their favorite artist, a walk on the rooftops or gather together and take part in the quest. As an option, for one day "fall into childhood" and go to children's attractions. Riding on typewriters, jumping on bungees, playing on machines for a long time will charge you positively and will definitely be remembered.
Extend pleasure or even more romance
It turns out that there is also a native Russian holiday, “Valentine's Day”. In Russia, starting from the 16th century, believers celebrate July 8 - the day of Saints Peter and Fevronia.
According to legend, Prince of Murom, David fell ill with a terrible disease. Having heard about the Ryazan young doctor, the prince ordered him to be taken to her. Efrosinya agreed to cure the young man, but with one condition: he must marry her. David agreed, but getting rid of the disease, returned to Murom, not fulfilling the promise. However, he soon regretted his deed: the disease returned. The prince had to be sent for the healer and fulfill her condition. Over time, David fell in love with his wife and did not look for souls in her. In old age, the couple turned to God with a request to grant them death in one hour, because they could not imagine how to live without each other. Their plea was heard. Peter and Fevronia (after the adoption of monasticism) - an example of an ideal couple, ready to support each other in grief and joy. Their names became common nouns. Not surprisingly, the couple is considered the patrons of love and fidelity.
So asking a question about Valentine's Day in Russia what date they celebrate, you can get different answers. But such dualism should only please: after all, one can note the most romantic holiday 2 times: February 14 and July 8. However, for lovers every day spent with a loved one is a joy and a gift. Do not forget to talk about your love, regardless of the time of year and calendar dates. After all, it really does not matter, Valentine's Day in Russia of which date, and not only in Russia, the main thing is to be with your soulmate when you want. True happiness is in the details.