February 14th, Valentine's Day, is a global holiday filled with love and romance. On this day, couples exchange gifts, flowers, and chocolates to express their love and appreciation.
The origin of Valentine's Day can be traced back to ancient Rome. According to legend, in the 3rd century AD, Roman Emperor Claudius II believed that single men were more suitable for military service and thus prohibited young men from marrying. A priest named Valentine defied the ban and secretly conducted weddings for young couples, ultimately being executed for his actions. To commemorate Valentine's sacrifice, people established February 14th as Valentine's Day.
Over time, Valentine's Day gradually evolved into a celebration of love. In medieval Europe, people began expressing their affection to their romantic interests on this day. By the 19th century, with the advent of printing, Valentine’s Day cards became popular and became an important means of expressing love.
Today, Valentine's Day is one of the most popular holidays worldwide. People in different countries and regions celebrate this day in their unique ways. In the United States, people exchange chocolates and flowers and enjoy a romantic dinner together. In Japan, women give chocolates to men, and men reciprocate with gifts on White Day a month later. In South Korea, couples celebrate different themed Valentine's Days on the 14th of each month.
In addition to celebrating love between couples, Valentine's Day has gradually become a time to express love and gratitude to family, friends, and those around us. No matter how it is celebrated, the core of Valentine's Day is always love and romance. It reminds us to cherish those around us and to express our love boldly.
(By Yang Jiming/ Qi Qian)
