St. Valentine’s Day is the most romantic holiday in the whole world. This holiday is mysterious and shrouded in legends. It is also rich in history. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th as a festival of romance and affection. People send greeting cards called “valentines” to their friends, sweethearts, and members of their families.
A special attitude to this winter holiday has developed, because this day is an opportunity to show your feelings, express sympathy, gratitude and love.
Every year in February, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do people celebrate this holiday?
First-year students of Foreign Languages Department of CSU had a wonderful opportunity to find out about the history, customs and traditions of this holiday – Saint Valentine’s Day during the event dedicated to this popular holiday in Moldova, too. The event was called “A Meeting at St. Valentine’s”.
The students were very active at this event, eager to speak and happy to have it. They told legends, recited poems about love, discussed symbols and their meaning. Valentines were made and signed by the students. They were of the following contents:
The birds won't sing,
The stars won't shine,
If you won't be
My valentine.
Boys are silly.
Girls are smart.
I love you
With all my heart!
The participants of the event also presented some information about Valentine’s Day in 17-18 centuries. They spoke about Modern Valentine’s Day. They stated: “Nowadays Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries of the world on February 14, including Moldova. It is a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”)”.They mentioned that modern Valentine’s Day symbols included the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. The students found interesting facts about Valentine’s Day. They announced: “Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (after Christmas). Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women.”
